The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has issued a direct challenge to former militant leader Asari Dokubo, urging him to come to the battlefield and demonstrate his claims of military capability.
News About Nigeria reports that this response follows Dokubo’s recent threat to shoot down a military helicopter flying over his residence, claiming that he could effectively limit the Nigerian military’s actions.
In a statement made on October 5, Dokubo’s remarks drew criticism from the military. Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, dismissed Dokubo’s declaration, inviting him to test his abilities in a direct confrontation.
“Now, to comment that he can shoot down military helicopters is laughable,” Buba stated.
He noted that while the military is prepared to engage, they must act with consideration for the implications of such comments.
“I assure you that he does not possess that capability, but I will leave it to the appropriate security forces to handle the matter. Our mandate is to confront him on the battlefield and take him out. He should come to the battlefield and see whether we can react or not.”
Buba said that the military focuses on combating terrorism and insisted that Dokubo does not possess the capabilities he claims.
He said, “Our enemy is the terrorists. While some may choose to label them differently depending on the region, in the northwest and northeast, some refer to them as bandits.
“I tell you, they are all terrorists. We must label them for what they are. Troops are making significant progress; as I mentioned, we prioritise targeting terrorist leadership, and we have successfully eliminated over 300 terrorist commanders in the last three quarters, not to mention their foot soldiers.”
