Soldiers (File photo)
Following the alleged brutal killing of at least 100 Nigerian soldiers, the Nigerian army has issued a statement.
Read below:
PRESS RELEASE ON THE ATTACK ON 157 TASK FORCE BATTALION DEFENSIVE
LOCATION AT METELE IN GUZAMALA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BORNO STATE
1. The attention of the NA has been drawn to several social media,
print, electronic and online publications about the recent attack on 157
Task Force Battalion at Metele. Whilst it is true that there was an
attack on the location on 18 November 2018, it has however, become
necessary to correct several misinformation being circulated with
regards to this unfortunate event.
2. It is important for the public to note that the NA has laid down
procedures for reporting incidents that involve its personnel who fall
casualty in action. Out of respect for the families of our gallant
troops, the NOKs are first notified before any form of public
information so as to avoid exacerbating the grief family members would
bear, were they to discover such from unofficial sources.
3. Furthermore, it suffices to observe that several social media,
print and online publications have been brandishing false casualty
figures as well as circulating various footages of old and inaccurate
BHT propaganda videos and alluding same to be the attack on 157 Task
Force Battalion. Whilst it is understandable how such misinformation can
spread in this era of social media frenzy, the spurious circulation of
some of these videos only contribute to further propagate the propaganda
intent of the terrorists; to misinform the populace and portray
themselves as what they are not. So far, the situation is that the
location is under control as reinforcing units have been able to repel
the terrorists and stabilize the situation.
4. The NA sincerely, wishes to thank the various arms of
government, MDAs and sister security agencies that have stood with her
in these trying times; by commiserating with the families of the fallen
heroes who have paid the supreme price for the defence of our dearly
beloved country. The necessary support being given the NA by the Federal
Government and the goodwill of the Nigerian populace will undoubtedly
continue to spur the NA towards the ultimate defeat of the highly
degraded BHTs.
5. This is for your information please. You are kindly requested to
disseminate same through your various media channels. Thank you.
