Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai
The Chief of Army Staff, Nigerian Army, Lieutenant General Tukur
Yusufu Buratai, on Friday, came short of asking Nigerians and the media
to stop discussing or reporting Boko Haram.
He said terrorists were being giving “undue publicity” which has further boosted the image of the sect.
Col Sagir Musa, Acting Director Army Public Relations, in a
statement, disclosed that Buratai made the remark in Maiduguri during a
visit to troops in the North East.
Buratai said that it was wrong for any person to eulogize or
support murderers, bandits and armed robbers that the known Boko Haram
terrorists group had turned into.
The statement quoted the Army Chief as saying that it is also
important to note that the mode of operation of Boko Haram, ISWAP, JAS
and others “is pure criminality for personal gains”.
“It is common knowledge that the criminals no longer pretend to
be championing any cause other than quest for materialism as manifested
in murder and terror on hapless people,” he said.
He pleaded that as peace loving people, Nigerians should not be
glorifying these criminals by calling them by any name other than “criminals, rapists, kidnappers, armed robbers and murderers.”
“Unfortunately, many Nigerians are not aware that giving
prominence to the criminal activities of the terrorists group through
sensational headlines and fake news in both electronic and print media
could also amount to tacit support to terrorism which violates the
Terrorism Prevention Act 2011.
“It is therefore important that all Nigerians to rally round our gallant troops as they fight these criminals.
“All should know that the support to the efforts of the Armed
Forces Of Nigeria in the counter terrorism efforts would boost their
morale and it will be highly appreciated.
“The Nigerian Army is asking for the continued understanding and cooperation of all Nigerians and well meaning people”, Buratai said.