The Nigerian Army on Saturday alleged that some unpatriotic
individuals, groups and foreign interests were working against the
security situation in the country in particular and West African
Sub-region in general.
It said they were making concerted efforts to further induce
ISWAP/Boko Haram terrorists and bandits with funds and other logistic
support.
Colonel Sagir Musa, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, in a
statement said their body language and unguarded utterances seem to be
in tandem with the above and imply tacit support for the criminals.
He noted: “For example, credible source has shown that some
individuals are hobnobbing with Boko Haram terrorists, while others are
deliberately churning falsehood against the security agencies with a
view to set the military against the people and the government.
“They are also demoralising troops and security agencies through
false accusations and fake news. Therefore, it has become necessary to
inform the public and warn such persons and groups to desist as the
consequences of their actions would be calamitous to themselves and our
great country.
“Some of these mischievous elements thought that we would not have a
safe and successful general elections but were proved wrong, hence they
want to derail the scheduled handing over later this month and to
scuttle the democratic process in the country.
“We also noted that foreign interests are also working assiduously to
cause disaffection and divide the coalition Multinational Joint Task
Force (MNJTF) to give room for the so-called Islamic State for West
African Province (ISWAP) and its defeated local franchise, Boko Haram
terrorists group to resurrect.
“While we have confidence on the Federal Government of Nigeria’s
efforts at sustaining and reinvigorating the MNJTF to continue it’s good
work, we would not relent in clearing the visages and remnants of Boko
Haram terrorists and their sympathisers.
“The Nigerian Army is a stakeholder in our national security and
sustenance of democracy in Nigeria. Additionally, we are making this
statement because the military, particularly the Nigerian Army, has
always been called upon to intervene in conflict situations in order to
resolve crises in most cases when they get worse, while the public
expect miracles.
“We would like to reiterate our unalloyed loyalty to the Constitution
of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and we are determined more than ever
before, to continue to uphold the constitution and defend the
territorial integrity of this nation from both external and internal
aggression.
“Nigeria is a sovereign country with clearly established judicial
system, therefore all aggrieved persons and groups should take advantage
of that and resolve differences amicably.”
