The Nigerian Army have denied report of engaging in a revenge mission in some communities in Ohafia Local Government Area, Abia State.
Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Mohammed Yerima who also faulted an allegation that six soldiers were killed, added that the army is aware of a fake report trending on social media that the soldiers were killed in a clash with members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN)/ Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Yerima admitted that troops carried out routine clearance operations, but said they were in line with the rules of engagement and respect for fundamental human rights of the citizens aimed at restoring socio-economic activities.
The statement read;
“The NA wishes to debunk the allegation as a baseless fabrication aimed at not only tarnishing the good image of the NA but to create distrust between the public and security agents in the state.
“The true position is that troops carried out routine clearance operations in line with the rules of engagement and respect for fundamental human rights of the citizens aimed at restoring socio-economic activities, which were hitherto disrupted by criminal activities of IPOB/ESN elements who attack security agents and government infrastructures.
“Troops of the Nigerian Army, working in conjunction with personnel of Nigeria Police and other security agencies, leveraging on timely and accurate intelligence provided by patriotic citizens, are working tirelessly to restore normalcy to troubled areas and to rid the state of criminal elements.”
Yerima assured the people of Abia of the safety of their lives and property and urged them to continue to report suspicious movements and activities of strange individuals or groups in their vicinity to the nearest security agency for prompt action.
