“We Don’t Bomb Civilians in Operations,” Gen. Mutkut Clarifies
“We Don’t Bomb Civilians in Operations,” Gen. Mutkut Clarifies
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Nigerian Military has addressed misconceptions surrounding its operations, asserting that all activities across various theatres are well coordinated, tactful, and executed with professionalism.
Major General Godwin Mutkut, the General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander of the Joint Taskforce North West, Operation HADARIN DAJI, reaffirmed this commitment during a briefing with Defence Correspondents from Abuja at his office in Sokoto State.
Emphasizing the military’s dedication to safeguarding civilians in conflict areas, Mutkut noted the division’s rigorous precautionary measures aimed at minimizing civilian casualties during military engagements.
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“We don’t bomb civilians in our operations. We take precautionary measures to ensure that we avoid civilian casualties,” he said.
Mutkut further reiterated the fundamental role of civilians in their operations, emphasizing efforts to prevent their interaction with hostile elements and providing protection, even extending to safeguarding agricultural activities.
“The reasons why we carry out these operations in the first place is to protect civilians so they can go about their businesses. The civilian population are central to our operations,”Mutkut elaborated.
“We try as much as possible to make sure that these civilians don’t mix with the bandits. Ensure they don’t stray into areas where the bandits are.
“We go as far as protecting them in their farms. We had a programme last year where we protected civilians in their farmland. We rotated it among communities so we can have more men to protect them. That yielded a lot of results and also led to bumper harvest. I think it’s something that is worthy of emulation by others.
“At all times the civilians are the key people that we protect”.