The Nigerian Army has released a statement addressing a smear campaign against some of its senior commanders and officers. The army’s spokesperson, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, said that, during the recent presidential and national assembly elections, the army provided security support that effectively prevented ill-intentioned groups from interfering with the process. He explained that some interest groups were understandably upset by the army’s assertiveness in preventing violence. Hence the reason for the fake news.
The Nigerian Army is constitutionally nationalistic and draws strength from the diversities in the country. Its responsibility in elections is to provide support to law enforcement and stakeholders to ensure a peaceful election. The army has assured the public that any misconduct against its personnel will be responsibly investigated and appropriate disciplinary sanctions will be applied. The army urges Nigerians to ignore any Fake News being propagated by ill-intentioned individuals and groups and to go about their civic responsibilities without fear of molestation. The army will continue to work with other security agencies to meet citizens’ security expectations as outlined in the laws of the Federation.