The Nigerian Army has reacted to the allegation by Borno state governor, Babagana Zulum, that soldiers of Operation Lafiya Dole deployed along Maiduguri – Damaturu Road, were extorting commuters, as well as causing them unnecessary hardship.
Col. Aminu Iliyasu, the Army Operations Media Coordinator, stated that the allegation was capable of reversing the gains recorded by the Army.
“It is important to unequivocally observe that public outburst particularly by eminent personalities such as a State Executive could be counterproductive and indeed capable of reversing the gains recorded so far in the ongoing fight against insurgents and other criminal elements across the nation.
“The Nigerian Army as a professional and disciplined institution views such allegations seriously, particularly coming from a State Executive.
“It is on record that, whenever such allegations of troops’ misconduct were made in the past, the Nigerian Army never reneged in conducting thorough investigations to establish them and where any infractions were established against any personnel, appropriate sanctions were applied in line with extant rules and regulations as provided for in the Armed Forces Act CAP A20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.
“Thus, the Nigerian Army wishes to assure the good people of Borno State and indeed the nation at large that any allegations of misconduct against the Nigerian Army troops will be duly investigated and culprits will be dealt with accordingly.
“The Nigerian Army wishes to emphatically reiterate its steadfastness on the protection of lives, property of all law-abiding citizens as it is committed to wiping out insurgents from the North East and other forms of criminality across the country. Additionally, citizens’ continuous support and cooperation is highly appreciated.
“Any observed misconduct by troops could be reported directly through a toll – free code 193 for immediate remedy,”the statement reads.
