Army begins investigation into alleged extortion of motorists by soldiers along Maiduguri-Damaturu road

….cautions public officers against unguarded utterances

The Army while reacting to an online publication on 6 January 2020 by Premium Times as well as some amateur video clips circulating on some social media platforms where the 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.

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In a statement, the Media Coordinator, Nigerian Army Operations Centre, Col. Aminu Iliyasu, assured that as a professional and disciplined institution, the Nigerian Army 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 by Nigerian Army troops will be duly investigated and culprits will be dealt with accordingly.”

He further called on public officers to desist from making unguarded statements which may be counterproductive thereby causing disaffection amongst the populace.

”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.” – He said.