The Nigerian Army says it will investigate allegations of extortion made against its soldiers participating in the war against insurgency by Borno state Governor, Prof Babagana Zulum.
The Army said it views the allegation against its soldiers seriously adding that it has 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.
This was contained in a statement titled, “Re: Furious Borno Governor Accuses Soldiers of Extortion’, and signed by Col Iliyasu Aminu, Deputy Director, Army Public Relations.
It said, “The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to an online publication on 6 January 2020 as well as some video clips circulating on some social media platforms.
“In the said publication, His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Borno State, Prof Babagana Umara Zulum was alleged to have accused soldiers of Operation Lafiya Dole deployed along Maiduguri – Damaturu Road of extorting commuters and causing them unnecessary hardship.
“The Nigerian Army as a professional and disciplined institution views such allegations seriously, particularly coming from a State Executive.
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“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 by Nigerian Army troops will be duly investigated and culprits will be dealt with accordingly.
“However, 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 wishes to emphatically reiterate its steadfastness on the protection of lives, properties of all law abiding citizens as it is committed to wiping out insurgency in 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.”
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