NIGERIAN ARMY PRESS STATEMENT ON THE ALLEGED MILITARY COLLUSION WITH MILITIAS/CRIMINALS MADE BY FORMER CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF
1. The
attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to the unfortunate
statement made by a former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General
Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma, during the convocation ceremony of the Taraba
State University on Saturday 24 March 2018 in which he categorically
asserted that the Armed Forces of Nigeria was colluding with militias
and other criminal elements and was unable to provide security for the
citizens of Taraba State. He further called the people of Taraba State
to take up arms and defend themselves. The Nigerian Army views this
statement made by the former Chief of Army Staff as most unfortunate at
this critical time that the military has embarked upon demilitarisation
of the North Central Region of the Country.
2. While
Nigerian Army would not want to join issues with the Elder Statesman,
however, certain facts need to be clearly stated in the interest of the
Taraba People and the Nigerian public:
a. The
Nigerian Army is constitutionally charged with the responsibility of
defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria and to aid the civil
authority whenever called upon to do so. In this light, the
authorisation for the conduct of Ex AYEM AKPATUMA was authorised and
troops deployed to curb menace of the herdsmen-farmers conflict and
other criminal activities in the North Central Region amongst others.
b. It is on record that the successes so far achieved in Ex AYEM AKPATUMA have been recognised and accepted by Nigerians.
c. The
public is notified that Nigerian Army personnel have had to pay the
supreme price for ensuring the sustenance of security in Taraba State.
For instance, a gallant non-commission officer of the Nigerian Army was
beheaded on 16 March 2018 in Takum Taraba State by criminal elements.
d. It
is noteworthy to state that at the inception of Ex AYEM AKPATUMA, the
Taraba State Government, did not cooperate with the Nigerian Army due to
the Army’s stance to remain absolutely neutral in the herdsmen-farmers
crisis. The Nigerian Army will continue to remain as such.
e. For
avoidance of doubt, the Nigerian Army advises the people of Taraba
State and indeed all other Nigerians to continue in their day-to-day
activities and be law abiding as anyone caught with arms and ammunition
will be dealt with accordance with the laws of the land. Every
law-abiding citizen is assured of equal protection and security of their
lives and property irrespective of his/her person.
3. You are please requested to disseminate this information to the general public through your reputable medium.
4. Thank you for your usual cooperation.
TEXAS CHUKWU
Brigadier General
Director Army Public Relations