Illicit Sex Demand Allegation in IDP Camps: Army Chief Orders Military Intelligence; Police to Commence Investigations.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Yusuf Buratai has ordered the Directorate of Military intelligence and the Military Police to commence investigation into allegations that troops were soliciting for sexual favours from IDPs before performing their assigned duties in the North East.

Recall that an organization, the Knifer Movement, which advocates for the rights of displaced persons, petitioned the National Assembly to intervene on the matter and come to the rescue of the IDPs.

 In its reaction, the Army expressed concern over the allegations saying that any misconduct at the IDP camps could impact negatively on the gains recorded in degrading the Boko Haram insurgency.

 Giving further details, the Army in a statement signed by Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Sani Usman said, “The Nigerian Army has noted with great concern growing allegations of misconduct against some persons on security duties at Internally Displaced Persons’ camp in Bama, Borno State. 

 “We would like to state that Nigerian Army personnel have been doing their best in bringing peace and security in various parts of the country especially in the north east, any act of misconduct could negatively impact on these good works. 

 “Although these allegations are unsubstantiated, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Yusufu Buratai has today (Monday) directed that the matter be thoroughly investigated by both the Director Military Intelligence and Provost Marshal (Army). 

 “We would like to reiterate that the Nigerian Army has zero tolerance for any misconduct among its officers and soldiers especially those that are trusted with onerous responsibility of guarding and securing those Internally Displaced Persons’ Camps. Anyone found culpable, would be severely dealt with. 

 “We would like to enjoin the public to please take advantage of the newly established Nigerian Army Information and Call Centre to report any such issue and other security concern by calling the short code 193 using any of the telecommunication service providers in Nigeria or through email at [email protected]

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