The Nigerian Army says it would investigate allegation of extortion leveled against its personnel mounting security check-points along Maiduguri-Damaturu road by some online publications.
Media Coordinator of the Nigerian Army Operations, Col. Aminu Iliyasu said this in a statement.
He said the army, as a professional and disciplined institution, had always viewed allegations of misconduct by itspersonnel with all seriousness, and “never reneged in conducting thorough investigations
to establish them and where any infractions were established against any personnel, appropriate sanctions were applied in line with extant rules and regulations as provided for in the Armed Forces Act CAP A20
Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.
The investigation is being instituted as a result of a recent online publication and video clips on social media quoting the Governor of Borno state, Babagana Zulum, of accusing soldiers of Operation LAFIYA DOLE deployed along Maiduguri – Damaturu Road of extorting commuters and causing them unnecessary hardship.
The army operation spokesperson said, “public outburst particularly by eminent personalities such as a State Executive could be counterproductive and indeed capable of reversing the gains recorded so far in the ongoing fight against insurgents and other criminal elements across the nation.”
“The Nigerian Army wishes to assure the good people of Borno state and indeed the nation at large that any allegations of misconduct by
Nigerian Army troops will be duly investigated and culprits will be dealt with accordingly,” he said.
“The Nigerian Army wishes to emphatically reiterate its steadfastness on the protection of lives, properties of all law abiding citizens as
it is committed to wiping out insurgency in the North East and other forms of criminality across the country.
“Additionally, citizens’ continuous support and cooperation is highly appreciated. Any observed misconduct by troops could be reported directly through a toll – free code 193 for immediate remedy.”
