The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has accused the political class of inciting the public against the military and attempting to cause disaffection among troops with the intent to cause mutiny.

DHQ) also declared that “there is no respite for terrorists.”

Major-Gen. Chris Olukolade, director of Defence Information (DDI) and chairman of the joint security information managers committee made the accusation at a press briefing by the committee in Abuja.

The briefing was attended by Director of Army Information, Brig. Olajide Laleye; Deputy Director of Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Dele Alonge; Naval Commodore Kabiru Aliyu of Naval Directorate of Information; Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, and the representative of the Nigerian Intelligent Agency (NIA).

Olukolade, also disclosed moves to commence the arrests of those sabotaging the ongoing emergency rule in the North- East, vowing that “there is no respite for terrorists.”

He warned those sabotaging the ongoing military operations and working against national interest to desist or face the consequences for violating the State of Emergency Rule Act.

According to him, the security operatives were aware of the State of Emergency Rule Act and are conscious of those violating it.

The DHQ spokesman spoke against the backdrop of the spate of criticisms that have trailed the military’s handling of the fight against terrorism which has seen repeated attacks and killings by Boko Haram insurgents in the North East despite the army’s presence in the area

Olukolade said: “We would apprehend those violating the Act, those who are undermining our operations will pay dearly for doing so but we will follow the due process in doing that.

“This committee has also noted with great concern the orchestrated attack on the morale of the Nigerian security forces engaged in the fight against terrorism by a section of the political elite.

“They make frivolous and unfounded claims and allegations on welfare of soldiers under the pretext of being more caring for the welfare and condition of Nigerian soldiers but their intention is to encourage indiscipline and ultimately mutiny.

“This set of Nigerians has taken up every available media platform to disparage efforts of the leadership of Nigerian Armed Forces in the fight against terror. Indeed, the tendency is propelled by nothing altruistic other than to curry undue political capital out of the unfortunate crisis in the North-East.

“They have not only accused the military and security authorities of denying the soldiers and other security personnel of their entitlements, they have been spreading the sick rumour that the gallant Nigerian soldiers are grumbling over inadequate resources and lack of motivation to take on the insurgents. “These unfounded allegations and outright rumour mongering are, to say the least, callous, mischievous and inimical to the wellbeing of our national security.

“It is encouraging, however, that in spite of the false claims, which are intended not only to ridicule the efforts and integrity of the security forces but to weaken their morale and destroy their cohesiveness. Our gallant personnel are determined more than ever before to bring terrorism to an end in our country.”

The committee also reassured the people that “the military and security agencies will not be deterred from the commitment to defend and protect our dear country from any form of insecurity or aggression. The security forces will continue to put in their best and in no distant future, the dividends of these efforts will be incontrovertible.”

He added that the ongoing bombardment of the insurgents’ bases by the security forces, which led to the fleeing terrorists resorted to attacking soft targets, including the Federal Government College in Buni Yardi would not stop until they are completely grounded.

“There is no respite yet for the terrorists as the security forces have continued to launch air raids on their suspected bases while mop up operations by the ground forces are being intensified. “Consequently, scores of the terrorists have either being killed or apprehended and assorted weapons, including machine guns and improvised explosive devices, have been recovered.

“Useful information were also extracted from the confessions of those in the custody of the security forces while patrols are sustained,” the committee stated.

The security agencies also disclosed that simultaneous operations are ongoing nationwide to address every form of insecurity, including oil theft, kidnapping, vandalism, communal clashes, cattle rustling, trafficking in arms and persons.