The Defence Headquarters has launched an investigation into a viral video clip of some soldiers engaging in alleged peace talks with bandits somewhere in Katsina State.
Recall that on Sunday, pictures and video clips of a purported peace parley between residents of Fankama village in the Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State surfaced online.
But the director of defence information, Brig Gen. Tukur Gusau, in a statement on Monday, said the probe would ascertain the authenticity of the clips as regards the soldiers seen in uniform.
According to him, the military high command is aware of the resolve of some bandits to repent and hand over their weapons to the authorities.
While appealing to the government at all levels to allow terrorists wiling to surrender to do so, the defence spokesman noted that the non-kinetic measures aimed at restoring peace in the country are yielding results.
The statement read: “The attention of the Defence Headquarters was drawn to a video clip in circulation across the social media handles of some soldiers engaging with bandits somewhere in Katsina State.
“The DHQ is investigating the video to confirm its authenticity as regards the soldiers seen in uniform. The DHQ is aware of the resolve of some bandits to repent and hand over their weapons to the authority. This is yielding good results and is ongoing.
“The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, assures Nigerians that the AFN will engage in every lawful means possible to ensure peace and stability reign in our dear nation.
“The DHQ assures Nigerians that it’s non-kinetic measures aimed at restoration of peace is yielding results, with several bandits and other criminal elements surrendering to authority.
“Governments at all levels are encouraged to allow bandits genuinely willing to surrender to do so while the window is still open.
“Defence Headquarters is doing everything possible to restore peace and tranquility all over the country and urge all citizens to remain calm and be law abiding.”