Army denies colluding with bandits to kill Nigerians

The Nigerian army has denied colluding with armed bandits to cause mayhem in parts of the country.

This is coming after popular Islamic scholar and bandits apologist, Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi, on Wednesday during his appearance on ARISE TV Morning Show, alleged that the Nigerian Military is colluding with marauding bandits who have been responsible for various crimes and atrocities against Nigerians and the Nigerian state.

Debunking the allegation, the Army spokesman, ONYEMA NWACHUKWU in a statement on Wednesday, described Mr. Gumi allegation as not only sad and unfortunate, but a calculated attempt to denigrate the Nigerian military and undermine the sacrifices of patriotic troops, who are working tirelessly to restore peace and stability across the country.

He said the Nigerian Army “remains a bonafide symbol of national unity that has conducted its constitutional responsibilities in the most professional manner in line with global best practices of adherence to the rules of engagement and protection of the fundamental human rights of the citizenry.”

He reminded that “these same military, being accused of connivance, are the ones who recently put their lives on the line to rescue abductees of the Government Secondary School, Birnin Yawuri from kidnappers.”

The army spokesman however admitted the the possibility of black sheep amongst its fold but said; “it must be stated unambiguously that it will not condone any form of sabotage or aiding and assisting the enemy by any personnel, as provisions for dealing decisively with such acts are crystallised in Section 45 (1) of the Armed Forces Act CAP A 20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.”

He pointed out that “while the military is very much receptive to constructive criticism, it should not be perceived as a gateway for derogatory comments that have the potential to embolden criminals. It is also necessary to reiterate that patriotism must be taken to a trajectory where subversive conversations on the state are brought to the barest minimum.”

He enjoined opinion leaders to demonstrate patriotism in building the peace, rather than being agents of distabilization, thereby aggravating the current security challenges facing the nation.

“The NA wishes to reassure law abiding citizens, that troops will continue to conduct themselves professionally in consonance with the code of conduct guiding our operations in all combat engagements, in line with the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and global best practice. Citizens are enjoined to continue to support military operations by providing useful information to defence and security agencies and together we shall rid our society of these criminal elements,” the statement added.