Even before the announcement that troops will be withdrawn from the streets of Aba on Friday morning,the Nigerian Army had denied rumours that soldiers invaded Umoude community.
Denying the rumour during radio programme in Enugu,Colonel Sagir Musa,Deputy Director Public Relations 82 Division Nigerian Army said the rumour was baseless.
“Let me firmly reiterate that there is no invasion of any community by the soldiers in Abia State and in the entire South Eastern part of Nigeria,” Musa said.
“The rumour is baseless and mischievous and should therefore be disregarded.
“Mischief makers, propagandists and supporters of violent secessionist agitation as well as any other person or group with criminal disposition are the ones that are wickedly peddling this rumour.
Colonel Musa said “Soldiers in Aba are lawfully deployed, with clear mandate, Rules of Engagement and Code of Conduct to combat identified obvious security challenges in the South East Nigeria.
“Thus, issues of kidnappings, cultism, farmers -herdsmen clashes, violent secessionist agitation and insurgency of any form among other menaces have been made severally and soundly clear are the focus and target of Exercise EGWU EKE 11.
“The earlier we appreciate this and work together, the better for the peace and security of our society.”
