By Augustine Ehikioya
The Nigerian Army on Thursday debunked the alleged misconduct by troops of 82 Division Nigerian Army at Umualumaku, Ehime-Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.
It said the report is aimed at sabotaging the Division’s efforts.
This was contained in a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations 82 Division Nigerian Army. It was made available to Security Watch Africa (SWA).
It reads “The attention of Headquarters, 82 Division Nigerian Army (NA), has been drawn to recent allegations that its personnel burnt homes, looted property, and harassed civilians in Umualumaku, Ehime-Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.
“These claims are not only false but also a calculated attempt to sabotage the Division’s efforts. The populace is kindly advised to note that no soldier under the Command was involved in such misconduct.
“Furthermore, our troops operate under strict adherence to the code of conduct in Military operations as well as the rules of engagement, thereby ensuring best practices.”
The allegation, the statement said, appeared to be the handiwork of criminal actors who, in their usual style, orchestrate such malicious reports to smear the image of the Division and undermine its efforts to ensure a safe and secure environment within the area of operation.
Their objective, it said, is to sow seeds of discord in order to erode the public trust that the Division has diligently built.
“Accordingly, it is hereby reiterated that 82 Division NA is a professional and disciplined force, committed to upholding the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and safeguarding law-abiding citizens.
“It is important to add that the Division will continue to collaborate with other security agencies, community leaders, and civil society organisations to identify, apprehend, and prosecute those truly responsible for such violence and uncivilized acts.
“Meanwhile, the media is urged to rely only on verified information, as misinformation and disinformation are tools commonly deployed by criminal elements to undermine peace-building efforts,” it added.
