•It was an act of sabotage
•Concerned about the welfare of personnel
…Jude Johnson
The Nigerian Army has made clarifications on the video trending on the social media alleging maltreatment of soldiers in the counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations against Boko Haram in the North East.
The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Brig-Gen. Sani Usman, noted that the video in circulation was an old event which has been handled and those found culpable adequately punished.
Global Sentinel obtained the video (attached) of soldiers complaining about lack of water and dehydration after liberating one of the notorious camps and spiritual Headquarters of Boko Haram in Allargano forest Borno State.
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But Usman said that the issue took place six months ago as a result of sabotage by some soldiers, adding that it(lack of water) has been addressed promptly.
“The attention of Nigerian Army has been drawn to a video clip circulating on Social Media of soldiers alleging lack of food and water.
“We wish to state that the video clip was shot more than six months ago by some mischievous and disgruntled elements when 29 Task Force Brigade captured Alagarno Forest and environs in Borno State,” he clarified.
The army spokesperson said that “it is disheartening that some mischievous elements have decided to circulate it now, creating the false impression that it is a recent occurrence”.
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He further assured “that the matter was conclusively investigated at the time, several months ago”. “The Board of Inquiry actually showed that, as at the time of the incident, the unit’s water tanker still contained water, but a soldier mischievously concealed it. That soldier was charged and punished accordingly,” he noted.
In addition to the unit’s water tanker, he said a borehole was subsequently drilled at the location and it is still serving both the military and adjoining communities.
Usman also restated “with utmost concern the continued commitment of the Nigerian Army to the total welfare of all its personnel”.
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