The Nigerian military has assured that the situation following the recent lynching of 16 traveling hunters in Edo State is under control, preventing any potential reprisal attacks.
Major General Markus Kangye, the Director of Defence Media Operations, made this statement on Thursday in Abuja during a bi-weekly media briefing.
Kangye emphasized that not all situations require military intervention, stating that some issues are better addressed through political or media engagement.
“It is not everything that requires military intervention. Some situations need political solutions, while others may even require journalists to address them. In this case, politicians have already stepped in, and we will monitor the outcome of their efforts,” he said.
He further noted that with the Governor’s visit to Kano State to commiserate with his counterpart and the affected families, the matter is being properly addressed, and no further escalation is expected.
In addition, Kangye addressed concerns about the purported withdrawal of Niger Republic from the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), warning that such a move could have security implications.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining the MNJTF, a critical regional security collaboration, and urged efforts to prevent any member state from leaving.
Kangye reiterated that the MNJTF was established by Lake Chad Commission countries to address their common security concerns and remains vital to regional stability.
Kangye noted that Nigeria has been making significant efforts to ensure a sustained joint task force. He However said if any member decides to withdraw the implications will be greatly felt and the synergy that exist may be lacking.
“It is not in our interest for any country to leave because whatever affects them also affects us. If a country withdraws, it creates a gap in effort and reduces the strength of the contingent from that country.
“Therefore, we must do everything to prevent such a situation from happening. We will continue to monitor as the situation unfolds and we will provide information when necessary.”