Nigerian Defence Headquarters has come to the defence of its troops in Borno State, Northeast Nigeria insisting that ” they are patriotic and focused on their call of duty”.
John Enenche, Coordinator, Defence Media Operations in a response to allegations of extortion against the troops by Babagana Zulum, Governor of Borno State, said it was “necessary to clarify this generalised statement against the troops who without hesitation lay down their lives for all Nigerians.”
HumAngle reported that the governor had expressed dissatisfaction over the performance of the military troops in securing a major road in the state where terror group has been attacking and abducting motorists and villagers.
Zulum was reported to have accused the troops of extorting money from motorists rather than carrying out their duties.
He has on Monday made an unscheduled visit to Jakana, a town along the dreaded Maiduguri – Damaturu road.
According to sources in the entourage of the governor, Zulum was unhappy with the absence of static and mobile military units along the road that has become notorious for abduction and killing of travellers by Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters that have mounted checkpoints on the road.
The governor was visiting Jakana, about 40 kilometres west of Borno state capital Maiduguri after ISWAP abducted about 30 passengers on Friday at a checkpoint in Kondiri village near Jakana.
But Enenche, a Brigadier General said that “it will not be correct to rely on media or open air accusation to tag our gallant Nigerian Army personnel as extortioners at check points in Borno State”.
He noted that the Nigerian Military was not joining issues with the governor, rather, would clarify those issues.
According to him, the Armed Forces of Nigeria have internal mechanisms to check mate and sanction appropriately its erring personnel.
The Defense Spokesperson stated that cases from the public in this regard are investigated and given the desired attention.
“The High Command of the Nigerian Military hereby re-states the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other Security Agencies to tackling and ending the insurgency and terrorism in the Northeast,” he concluded.
Support Our Journalism
There are millions of ordinary people affected by conflict in Africa whose stories are missing in the mainstream media. HumAngle is determined to tell those challenging and under-reported stories, hoping that the people impacted by these conflicts will find the safety and security they deserve.
To ensure that we continue to provide public service coverage, we have a small favour to ask you. We want you to be part of our journalistic endeavour by contributing a token to us.
Your donation will further promote a robust, free, and independent media.
Donate Here
