The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, on Thursday, described those clamouring for a coup d’état as enemies of Nigeria, saying the military remained resolute to protect the nation’s democracy.
This was as the Kaduna State Overseeing Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, disclosed that the mastermind of the August 2021 attack on the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna was eliminated by troops on Wednesday.
The CDS, who spoke to journalists in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Thursday, warned coup mongers in the country.
The economic hardship in the country, which has seen Nigerians trooping to the streets in protests against the rising cost of living has precipitated the fear of military intervention, more so as three member states of the Economic Community of West African States have fallen into the hands of military juntas.
However, the Nigerian military has consistently maintained that it had no interest or plan to take over power, saying it remained loyal and committed to the democratic government.
Restating the military stance in Port Harcourt on Thursday, Musa said, “Whoever is making that call (coup) does not love Nigeria. We want to make it very clear that the Armed Forces of Nigeria are here to protect democracy.
“We all want democracy and we do better under democracy. And so we will continue to support democracy. And any of those ones that are calling for anything other than democracy are evil people and I think they don’t mean well for Nigeria. And they should be very careful because the law will come after them.”
The CDS urged Nigerians to exercise patience with the Federal Government, saying efforts being made would soon result in improved conditions of living.
He said, “We can see that with democracy a lot of things are happening in Nigeria. Yes, we are going through trying periods, but in life, nothing is one hundred per cent; everybody goes through a trying period in life, but it is what you do with them.
“You can see the government putting in efforts to ensure that we come out better. And it is when you go through difficulties and come out better you will really appreciate what it is to build a nation. And so we are going through our trying period, but I can assure Nigerians that it will get better.
“What is needed is for all of us to put our hands together to ensure that we defeat those enemies of the government, those enemies of this country that don’t want us to succeed.
“We will surely succeed and the Armed Forces are here to support the government in ensuring that we develop, we succeed and to see that there is peace in Nigeria.”
Meanwhile, in a statement on Thursday in Kaduna, Overseeing Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Aruwan, said troops on Wednesday intercepted a notorious bandit, Boderi Isyaku, who is believed to have masterminded the August 24, 2021 attack on the Afaka campus of the Nigerian Defence Academy, which claimed the lives of two soldiers.
According to Aruwan, Isyaku was intercepted and killed by troops during an operation led by the General Officer Commanding, 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. V.U. Okoro.
The bandit, he said, was killed around the Bada/Riyawa general areas of Chikun and Igabi Local Government Areas of the state.
Aruwan said, “Boderi, known for his ruthlessness and cunning, had long eluded the grasp of security forces while orchestrating the kidnappings of prominent figures, innocent civilians, schoolchildren and students with impunity.
“His activities not only caused untold pain to thousands of victims and families but also posed a stiff challenge to law enforcement agents, who, at various times, were only a whisker away from apprehending this menace.
“Boderi was involved in a range of deadly attacks spanning Sabon Birni, Rigasa, Buruku, Gwagwada, Rijana and Kateri general areas, the Kaduna-Abuja Road, the Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road, as well as Shiroro, Alawa, and Mangoro general areas of neighbouring Niger State.
“He was also known to have built a close rapport with terrorist groups, collaborating with them towards establishing footholds in these areas. Recent intelligence reports revealed his plans to attack a school in his sphere of operation. Those plans have been thankfully truncated.
“It was Boderi who plotted and executed the 11th March 2021 abduction of 39 students of the Federal College of Forestry Mechanisation, Afaka, Igabi LGA.
“This high-profile kidnapping generated shockwaves and massive panic around the country, as dozens of young students were whisked away and their families left to deal with unimaginable turmoil.
“On the 24th of August 2021, Boderi masterminded another deadly attack, this time on the Afaka campus of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Igabi LGA. Two officers were killed and another was abducted. Weeks later, on 14th September 2021, Boderi led his gang of bandits in the kidnapping of the Emir of Bungudu, Alhaji Hassan Atto, around Dutse village, Chikun LGA. The Emir’s Police Detail was killed.”
The commissioner also quoted Governor Uba Sani to have been excited over the development which he described “as a pointer to the bravery and professionalism of the troops involved.”
The governor commended the commanding officer Okoro for his stellar leadership and praised the troops for their assertive victory.
“Governor Sani went on to assure security forces in Kaduna State of his unflinching support and readiness to sustain cooperation, towards the successful achievement of their objectives,” Aruwan said.
