Don’t meddle in deployment of troops, military tells soldiers’ wives

The military has told wives of soldiers not to meddle in the deployment of troops for operations.
The position of the military followed the refusal of the wives of some soldiers in the Giwa Barracks of the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army in Maiduguri, Borno State to allow their spouses to leave for operational areas.
They said their spouses were not properly armed for the operation.
The military however said the tension raised following the move of the women had been addressed.
The situation had attracted media attention and elicited a lot of concern from well meaning Nigerians.
This development was disclosed by the Defence Headquarters on its blog.
Although the situation was quickly brought under control, the military said the issues being raised by the women were clarified to them by the authorities of the 7 Division.
It was pointed out that contrary to their belief, there has never been any attempt to relocate them as alleged.
Furthermore, it was made clear that while the Army remains sensitive to the needs of the family members, it was not normal or proper for any officer or soldier to decide where he or she should be deployed.
The military said such demand be not be encouraged from spouses in a period of serious operation when the entire nation was depending on the Army to address the security challenges.
They were however assured that no officer, soldier or unit would be tasked without the necessary means to accomplish their task.
It was also stated that troops were not being sent on operation without the necessary arms, ammunition and support as alleged.
The recent operations at Bulanbulin and Damboa, where terrorists were cleared without a single casualty on the troops, was cited.
The military authorities therefore reassured citizens that the situation has been brought under control, while appropriate action would be taken against any person found to be involved in the heinous and cowardly acts or attempts to demoralise or discourage the troops by preventing them from obeying lawful orders and command in defence of the country.