By DEBORAH COKER

The Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, has directed the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) to go after those calling for coup in the country.

This is contained in a statement on Thursday in Abuja by Mr Henshaw Ogubike, Director Information, Press and Public Relations of the defence ministry.

Matawalle described those calling for the undemocratic change of government as agents of darkness and warned that anyone caught would not be treated lightly.

“The call for violent change of government by the military is absurd, preposterous and naïve as the military has come to reality with democratic government in Nigeria and are focused on their constitutional duty of defending the Constitution.

“The propagators calling for the truncation of the constitutional government should desist from it and face the democratic reality on ground.

“Just because criminal elements attacked a warehouse and a haulage vehicle carrying food items to other parts of the country is not enough reason for unpatriotic individuals to resort to call for military intervention which has no place in modern realities.

“The military is highly professionalised with a good Civil-Military relationship, and they are exhibiting the highest standard of professionalism with the defence of our constitution as top priority,” he added.

The minister, therefore, urged all Nigerians to support and keep faith with the government of President Bola Tinubu in the efforts to make Nigeria great.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to defending the Constitution and upholding democracy, as well as ensuring the safety and security of the nation. (NAN)