A Civil–Military Cooperation (CIMICO) group has condemned the incessant attacks on the military and security forces as dastardly and condemnable trend capable of triggering anarchy, unrest in the country.
A viral video seen trending in the social media had shown a multitude of civilians overpowering some soldiers during a free-for-all at Banex.
The FCT Police Command, in a statement by its spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, later said the police had restored peace in the affected area, adding that a buyer had gone with four soldiers to demand a refund after the purchased phone developed faults, which the shop owner resisted.
The action resulted in a confrontation and squabble with the military officer. This development led some irate youths to attack the military officer which led to an uproar in the environs.
At a press conference on Thursday in Abuja, the group stated that the attack, especially the one witnessed recently at Banex Plaza, Abuja, is not just an attack on individual soldiers, but an affront to the collective sensibility of the Nigerian State.
Speaking on the topic: “Incessant attacks on Nigerian Military and security forces: a dastard and condemnable trend that can trigger anarchy, unrest and national security distabilization,” the Chairperson of Conference of Civil Societies Coordinator Civil-Military Cooperation, Adams Otakwu, called for a respectful and cooperative stance towards the military personnel to prevent unintended military responses.
He said: “The Nigerian Civil Society roundly condemns the infamous trend of attacks on our military and security forces by civilians as witnessed recently at Banex Plaza, Abuja.
“This incident is not just an attack on individual soldiers, but an affront to our collective sensibility and the Nigerian State, because the military is an institution that embodies our collective strength, unity and resilience. Any assault on the military is an assault on the very fabric of our Nation, that can trigger anarchy, unrest and national security destabilization.
“Before we forget, the experiences of Udi, Zaki-biam, and the recent Okuoma community in Delta State, were widely reckoned as unpleasant, and underscore the necessity of maintaining a respectful and cooperative stance towards our military personnel to prevent unintended military responses.
“This accounts for our intensified efforts to galvanize Civil-Military Cooperation across the country in the bid to foster good relationship between the civilian populace and our military forces.
“We urge all citizens to remember that the military exists to protect and serve the Nigerian people, hence fostering a harmonious relationship with them is crucial for our collective security and progress.
“It is pertinent to state that the current leadership of the Armed Forces has shown commendable dedication to promoting this relationship as evidenced by the establishment of Civil-Military Cooperation Departments and Human Rights Desks across various services of the Armed Forces.
“These initiatives are designed to entertain civilian complaints, and mitigate potential conflicts between military personnel and civilians, a reflection of how democratically compliant our military has evolved in upholding human rights and fostering mutual respect.
“Again, we reiterate that that the military is our collective institution, and any assault on it is an assault on the Nigerian people. It is essential to recognize that the military is not biased towards any tribe, religion, or region. Nations like France, Germany, Egypt, the UK, and the US have demonstrated this understanding and emerged stronger and more resilient.
“Let us draw inspiration from these examples and work together with our armed forces in the overall interest of National Security and Development.”