The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has dismissed claims that insecurity and bandits are responsible for the inability of electrical personnel to restore power to the northern part of the country.
Speaking on Monday after a meeting in Kaduna with Northern Governors and traditional rulers from the region, General Musa dismissed claims that bandits control parts of the transmission infrastructure.
He submitted that the thick forest in the area and the need to create access are responsible for the delay, dismissing reports that criminal elements are in control of the area.
“There is no way that anybody is in control. If you look at it, I’m sure you saw the pictures, some of those areas are supposed to have cleared views so that patrols can be taking place. But because of the shops and the forest is fully forested, it makes it extremely difficult.
“But actions have been taken with the troops. We clear those areas so that repairs can be taken, and then there will be monitoring, which is critical,” Musa said.
Regarding the insecurity in the country, General Musa revealed that military operations have intensified, and Nigeria will be peaceful.
He commended the commitment of the security forces and cautioned locals against supporting the criminals.
“We appreciate them as commanders. We appreciate them. Nigerians appreciate what they are doing. The sacrifice they are making, they should remain focused.
“We want them to be disciplined, to understand that we are here to protect Nigeria and Nigerians. None of them should do any action that will infringe on the rights of every Nigerian. We will not take that lightly. And that’s why it’s important. And then to continue to call on Nigerians to continue to give us support, to also advise those ones that think they can trade, provide logistics, provide money, food and all these things to the criminals.
“They should stop. Actions are taken. We have intensified all our operations all over the country. Nigeria will be peaceful. We need all Nigerians to work together,” he said.
