Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced the launch of investigations into a viral video clip and photographs of some soldiers engaging with terrorists in Katsina State.
The probe is to ascertain the authenticity of the clips as regards the soldiers seen in uniform.
In a statement issued on Monday night, Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, said the military high command was aware of the resolve of some bandits to repent and hand over their weapons to the authorities.
Some Fulani terrorists had arrived a community school in Fankama community, Faskari Local government area of Katsina State on motorbikes and AK47 riffles, allegedly for peace talks.
The talks also centred on settlement terms with the said community that would enable the terrorists to cease attacks, kidnappings or allow them to harvest their crops in their farms.
And seen mingling with the terrorists in the video were some troops of the Nigerian Army Army and Police in uniform as part of the dialogue.
Also, the full transcript of the voice instruction of a soldier in the video clip has emerged wherein he was instructing troops obviously on checkpoints to clear the way for the Fulani terrorists who were to pass their way after the “dialogue.”
The voice of a soldier who spoke in Hausa in the viral video said:
“Hello Sanusi, Please, for the sake of God, I want you to do something. Can you hear me? I want you to tell everybody on the road that the Fulanis are on their way passing by. Nobody should say anything for God’s sake. Just allow them pass.
“They are about to pass. Nobody should stop them. Let them go through the main road. Nobody should say anything or hinder them. Please for God’s sake, allow them to pass through. They are on their way presently. Please inform our men. Inform everyone. Yes.”
The statement stated that Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has assured Nigerians that the military would “engage in every lawful means possible to ensure peace and stability reign in our dear nation.
“The DHQ assures Nigerians that its non-kinetic measures aimed at restoration of peace are 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.