The Nigerian Army has reacted to allegations levelled against it by a popular Northern Islamic scholar, Ahmad Gumi that the Security personnel were conspiring with bandits to commit atrocities across the country.
Gumi had made the allegations while featuring on a television programme on Wednesday.
Reacting to the allegations, Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier-General Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement said, the Miilitary arm has conducted its constitutional responsibilities most professionally in line with global best practices of adherence to the rules of engagement and protection of fundamental human rights.
He said, “it is essential to remind ourselves that this same Miilitary, being accused of connivance, are the ones who recently put their lives on the line to rescue abductees of the Government Secondary School, Birnin Yawuri from kidnappers.”
“While the Nigerian Army will not attempt to excuse the possibility of black sheep amongst its fold, it must be stated unambiguously that it will not condone any form of sabotage or aiding and assisting the enemy by any personnel, as provisions for dealing decisively with such acts are crystallised in Section 45 (1) of the Armed Forces Act CAP A 20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.”
“It must also be pointed out, that while the military is very much receptive to constructive criticism, it should not be perceived as a gateway for derogatory comments that have the potential to embolden criminals.
“It is also necessary to reiterate that patriotism must be taken to a trajectory where subversive conversations on the state are brought to the barest minimum.”
The Army however advised opinion leaders to demonstrate patriotism in building peace, rather than being agents of destabilization and aggravating the current security challenges facing the nation.