The Defence Headquarters has urged the Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, to provide evidence validating his allegations against the military.
According to the military high command, Radda, while featuring on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television, accused the military of aiding and profiting from terrorism in his state.
Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Buba Edward, while reacting in a statement, said the military would not trade words with the governor but would encourage him to approach the military high command to substantiate his allegations.
Edward said the Armed Forces of Nigeria is hereby making it unequivocally clear that, it is subservient to all elected government representatives and, therefore, regards the relationship with utmost respect.
The military spokesperson stated that the military remained unperturbed by such statements capable of demoralising or dampening the spirit of troops in operational theatres.
Major General Edward noted that the AFN led by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has zero tolerance for indiscipline and any form of criminality in the conduct of operations across the country.
He said it is for this reason that there are standing court martials to treat any form of misbehaviour by troops especially those that portray the military negatively to the general populace.
The military media officer urged the citizens to own the military and report bad conduct of any personnel so that they can face the appropriate military justice system.