The Nigerian Army on Thursday said the viral video of a soldier purportedly abandoned by his colleagues during operations is “misleading and diversionary”.
In a statement by Brigadier-General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director Army Public Relations, obtained by POLITICS NIGERIA, the army claimed it was the officer who abandoned his colleagues.
“The attention of the Nigerian Army (NA) has been drawn to a viral video making the rounds on the social media, where a soldier on Wednesday, 30 March 2022 claimed to have been abandoned by his colleagues during operations.
Contrary to the claims and impression created by the soldier in the video footage, preliminary investigations have revealed that the video footage was a deliberate attempt to shield himself from being accused of cowardice, having abandoned his colleagues during an ongoing clearance operation in Gurara, Niger State,” Army’s statement reads.
“It could be recalled that troops of the NA, recently carried out a
clearance operation in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State. Disappointingly, during an encounter, the said soldier abandoned his colleagues and absconded in an outright display of cowardice and possible sabotage, which negate the precepts of the military profession.
“Sensing the gravity of his action and its consequences, the soldier surreptitiously uploaded the video online in a calculated attempt to whip-up public sentiment and cover up his act of cowardice. The soldier’s action amounts to a betrayal of the esprit de corps and comradery that are synomous with a military unit and fighting formation, particularly during operations. The soldier’s conduct is therefore an aberration and against the ethics and core values of the military profession.
“The video footage is thus, in all intent, and purpose a misrepresentation of what actually transpired between the soldier and his colleagues.
“The soldier has rejoined his unit and further investigations are currently ongoing to unravel the reasons behind his unprofessional conduct.”
Fear in Kaduna community as residents discover bomb
Fear in Kaduna community as residents discover bomb
Residents of Shanono area in Rigasa community of Igabi Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State were thrown into panic on Thursday as they discovered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) concealed in a bucket.
POLITICS NIGERIA learned that the bucket was sealed with cellulose tape which prompted suspicion in the area this morning.
The anti-bomb squad of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) arrived and disabled the bomb.
Security has been a big challenge for the present administration.
Following the briefs with service chiefs and heads of security agencies on Tuesday, President Muhammadu Buhari directed the immediate conclusion of all the processes for the implementation of the integrated security surveillance and monitoring solution in Kaduna State, and some other parts of the north.
President Buhari also reiterated his earlier directive that the Nigerian military should deal ruthlessly with terrorists. He asked them to be more decisive and not spare anyone, especially lawbreakers wielding AK 47 weapon.
Adeola Bodunrin