The Nigerian Army has stated that it will not defend any officer caught working with bandits to perpetrating crimes across the country.
The Army stated this against the background of the allegation by popular Islamic scholar, Dr. Ahmad Gumi, that bandits had the support of “bad elements” in the nation’s security outfit.
Recall that the cleric, who earlier spoke during an interview on a television programme, alleged that bandits had access to sophisticated weapons owing to their collusion with security agents.
However, the Army, in a statement issued by its Director, Public Relations, Onyema Nwachukwu, described the claim as an attempt to undermine the sacrifices of the troops to restore peace in the country.
The statement read: “The Nigerian Army wishes to state that contrary to Sheikh Gumi’s claims, the Nigerian Army remains a bona fide symbol of national unity, which has conducted its constitutional responsibilities in the most professional manner in line with global best practices of adherence to the rules of engagement and protection of the fundamental human rights of the citizenry.
“The sweeping allegation peddled by the scholar is not only sad and unfortunate, but a calculated attempt to denigrate the Nigerian military and undermine the sacrifices of our patriotic troops, who are working tirelessly to restore peace and stability across the country”.
