The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has dismissed claims that bandits control parts of the transmission infrastructure.
He spoke on Monday in Kaduna after a meeting with the Northern Governors’ Forum and traditional rulers from the region.
There has been a blackout in several parts of northern Nigeria owing to the vandalism of some power infrastructure in the area.
There are claims in some quarters that bandits have taken over the structure, making repairs difficult. But General Musa says no criminal elements are in control of the facility.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
On insecurity which is a major issue affecting the country, especially northern Nigeria, the CDS lauded troops for their sacrifice.
“We appreciate them as commanders. We appreciate them. Nigerians appreciate what they are doing. The sacrifice they are making, they should remain focused,” he said.
“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.”
