The Nigerian Army has refuted allegations that its personnel were involved in the burning of homes, looting, and harassment of civilians in Umualumaku, Ehime-Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.
In a statement issued by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations of the 82 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni, the Army described the claims as a calculated attempt to discredit its operations and tarnish its image.
Ayeni maintained that troops in the area operate strictly within the bounds of military ethics and rules of engagement, emphasizing that no soldier under the Division’s command engaged in such misconduct.
“The allegation appears 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,” he stated.
He reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to upholding the Constitution and protecting law-abiding citizens, while also calling on the public to ignore unfounded reports aimed at sowing distrust.
Ayeni urged the media to rely only on verified information, warning that misinformation is a tool often used by criminal elements to derail peace-building efforts.
In a separate development, troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), in conjunction with the Department of State Services (DSS), arrested a suspected arms trafficker in Taraba State.
The suspect, 29-year-old Bulyami Shuaib, believed to be a key figure in a regional arms trafficking syndicate, was apprehended following an intelligence-led operation.
According to the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade, Lieutenant Umar Mohammed, items recovered during the arrest included 362 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one round of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, N842,100 in cash, two mobile phones, silver rings, a motorcycle, and a bank ATM card.
Mohammed confirmed that the suspect is cooperating with investigators and has been providing intelligence to aid ongoing operations.
Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander of 6 Brigade, commended the troops for their swift response and reiterated the Army’s resolve to rid the region of criminal elements. He called on residents to continue supporting security agencies by providing credible and timely information.
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