The Nigerian Army has debunked allegations that kidnappers of Abia University lecturers were released by its personnel after a call from an unnamed army officer.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, dated August 24, 2021.
“The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to a spurious allegation by an assembly member representing Isuikwuato Constituency of Abia State who alleged that when security agents arrested suspected kidnappers of Abia State University lecturers, a certain call came from a high military formation ordering the release of the arrested suspects despite strong evidence linking them with the said crime.
“Much as we do not want to join issues with the insinuators, it is crucial to set the record straight. If truly the claims in the said report emanated from the lawmaker, then we must state without mincing words that they are not only unfounded but a travesty of facts and reality,” it said.
According to the statement titled, “STOP THE BLACKMAIL – ARMY IS NOT ABBETING CRIMINALITY IN ISUIKWUATO LGA OF ABIA STATE” the Army said that the claim is completely devoid of truth.
“It is most unfair for anyone at that height of the social ladder to sponsor a smear campaign against the Nigerian Army for whatever reason; particularly knowing that he has access to the leadership of the military,” it said.
Nigerian Army explained that contrary to the narrative being peddled in the said report, it took the gallantry of their men on patrol to rescue the victims of the said kidnap incident before handing them over to the police.
“How then could the same Army that was instrumental to the rescue of the victims, turn around to order the release of the suspects. Evidently, this is illogical and a blatant lie,” it pointed out.
The Nigerian Army therefore, stated that the misguided report is actually an abysmally failed attempt at blackmailing the NA for denying unscrupulous elements the freedom of action to foist lawlessness and violence on the good people and government of Abia State.
“The honourable lawmaker should have abinitio, sought clarifications from the Army before resorting to media trial,” it added.
The Army therefore, appealed to members of the public to approach the Army on any issue requiring clarification rather than resorting to blackmail.
“The Nigeria Army is firmly commited to the fight against banditary and criminality in the country. Nigerians, including residents of Abia State as are assured of their security as we relentlessly continue to discharge our constitutional responsibilities,” it assured.
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