Stop glorifying terrorists, support troops to end insecurity, army commander urges Nigerians
By: Zagazola Makama
The Commander, Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Godwin Mutkut, has called on Nigerians to stop glorifying terrorists and instead rally behind troops in the collective effort to end terrorism, insurgency and other security threats confronting the nation.
Mutkut who disclosed this while interacting with defence correspondents in Kaduna said that while constructive criticism was necessary in any democracy, persistent attacks on the military and the promotion of terrorist propaganda on social media and other platforms were counterproductive and capable of undermining national security efforts.
The senior military officer made the appeal while speaking on the sacrifices of troops and the role of citizens in supporting ongoing military operations across the country.
According to him, members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria continue to make enormous sacrifices daily in defence of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, often at great personal cost.
He noted that infantry soldiers, in particular, bear the brunt of combat operations as they are usually the troops that confront terrorists directly on the battlefield.
“We are the main force that sees the enemy eyeball to eyeball. When people talk about casualties, most times they are referring to infantry soldiers because they are at the forefront of combat operations.
“However, every soldier in the Nigerian Army contributes to the fight. Whether in communications, artillery, armour, intelligence, logistics or any other corps, everyone wears the same uniform and remains a combatant in defence of the nation,” he said.
Mutkut explained that the Nigerian Army was structured into various specialised corps to enhance operational effectiveness, but stressed that all personnel remained united by a common mission of protecting Nigeria and its citizens.
Reflecting on the country’s prolonged security challenges, the infantry commander acknowledged that the fight against terrorism had been difficult and costly, but insisted that troops remained determined and committed to restoring peace.
“Nigeria has lived with insecurity for a long time. It has not been easy, but our soldiers remain steadfast and resolute in carrying out their constitutional responsibility.
“The message I have for Nigerians is simple: support your soldiers. Assist them in this fight. We cannot win this battle through military action alone; we need the support, understanding and cooperation of citizens,” he said.
Mutkut expressed concern over what he described as the growing tendency among some Nigerians to criticise soldiers from the comfort of their homes without appreciating the realities and sacrifices associated with military service.
According to him, such actions can have adverse consequences for troop morale and may inadvertently embolden terrorists.
“Many people sit in the comfort of their rooms and criticise soldiers who are risking their lives daily to protect communities and defend the country.
“That is unfair because these troops are making sacrifices that many Nigerians may never fully understand.
“When people constantly attack the military without understanding the realities on the ground, it can send the wrong signal and inadvertently encourage those who seek to destabilise the country,” he said.
The commander urged Nigerians to redirect their anger and condemnation towards terrorists and criminal elements rather than the security forces confronting them.
“At this point, we should all be united in condemning terrorists in the strongest possible terms and encouraging the soldiers who are standing between these criminals and innocent Nigerians.
“The fight against terrorism is not a military fight alone. It is a national responsibility,” he said.
Mutkut highlighted the heavy human cost of the conflict, pointing to the military cemetery in Maiduguri as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by troops over the years.
According to him, behind every fallen soldier is a grieving family, shattered dreams and a life dedicated to national service.
“Anyone who has visited the military cemetery in Maiduguri will understand the magnitude of sacrifice being made by our soldiers.
“Many of our personnel have paid the supreme price. Others have sustained life-changing injuries, while many continue to battle psychological and emotional trauma resulting from years of combat operations.
“Yet despite all these challenges, our troops remain committed to defending Nigeria,” he said.
The infantry commander also drew attention to the social and family sacrifices endured by military personnel, noting that many soldiers spend extended periods away from their loved ones while serving in operational areas.
“Some soldiers have been away from their families for as much as two years.
“Some marriages have suffered because of prolonged deployments. Many parents have missed important milestones in the lives of their children.
“Imagine having children who are growing up and you are unable to be there to guide them because you are serving your country in a conflict zone.
“These are sacrifices that often go unnoticed,” he said.
Mutkut also dismissed claims by critics that the Armed Forces of Nigeria was influenced by ethnic, religious or sectional considerations.
He described such narratives as false and misleading, insisting that the military remained one of the country’s strongest symbols of unity and national integration.
“All the propaganda suggesting that the Armed Forces is tribal, sectional or biased is simply not true.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria is the custodian of the unity of this country.
“Our personnel come from every state, every ethnic group and every religion. What binds us together is our commitment to Nigeria.
“If anyone wants to see the true reflection of Nigeria’s diversity and unity, they should look at the Armed Forces,” he said.
Mutkut urged young Nigerians to consider joining the military, describing it as an institution founded on discipline, patriotism, professionalism and service to the nation.
He also lamented what he described as a culture of insufficient appreciation for military personnel compared to practices in many other countries where members of the armed forces receive special recognition and public support.
“In many countries, military personnel are accorded respect because citizens understand the sacrifices they make.
“You see people appreciating them in public places, supporting them and recognising their contributions to national security.
“That kind of encouragement motivates soldiers to continue giving their best,” he said.
Drawing an analogy with sports, the commander said support and encouragement often serve as powerful morale boosters capable of inspiring individuals to perform beyond expectations.
“When a football team enters a stadium, supporters cheer them on because encouragement gives them strength and confidence.
“The same principle applies to soldiers. Encouragement strengthens morale and reinforces commitment to duty.
“Unfortunately, in some cases, instead of being encouraged, our soldiers are criticised and discouraged. That should not be the case,” he said.
Mutkut commended Nigerians who have consistently supported the military and acknowledged the efforts of citizens, community leaders, traditional rulers, religious organisations and civil society groups working with security agencies to promote peace and stability.
He appealed for greater national unity and collective action against terrorism, stressing that victory would come faster if citizens and security forces worked together towards a common goal.
“We thank the many Nigerians who understand that encouraging the military is one of the surest ways of overcoming insecurity.
“We appreciate their support and their faith in our troops.
“But we want all Nigerians to come together, stand on the side of peace, reject terrorist propaganda and support the Armed Forces in this fight.
“Together, we can defeat terrorism and send the terrorists packing from our country once and for all,” he said.
