The Nigerian military has issued a strong response to former militant leader Asari Dokubo, challenging him to witness the military’s capabilities firsthand on the battlefield. This follows Dokubo’s claim that he could shoot down a military helicopter flying near his residence and his assertion that he has the power to contain the Nigerian military.
In a statement released on Thursday by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, the military dismissed Dokubo’s claims, calling them “laughable” and daring him to face them in combat.
“Now, to comment that he can shoot down military helicopters is laughable, and I am tempted to laugh about that,” said Maj. Gen. Buba. “We are in a democracy, and we are professional; we cannot simply act on someone’s comments without due consideration, lest we be accused of being undemocratic.”
He further emphasized that Dokubo would be neutralized if he entered the battlefield, and urged the relevant security agencies to handle the situation. “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 added.
