The Nigerian Army has said that the audio-visual recording circulating on various online platforms, showing a misleading report that suggests that the Army is recruiting Islamic fundamentalists and jihadists is false and aimed at sowing discord.
The footage also falsely portrayed an officer calling on Muslim young men to join the military to protect and propagate Islam, according to the Nigerian Army authorities.
A statement by the spokesman, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu said
the narrative depicted in the footage is not in any instance a reflection of the true values and standards of the Army, as it is targeted at sparking palpable anxiety and fear, sowing discord and mistrust amongst personnel, eroding public confidence in the integrity of the Army, particularly among Christian and non-Muslim communities, who might feel their lives and faith are under threat, and ultimately engender religious crisis in the country.
The Army adds that it remains steadfast in upholding professionalism and impartiality as an institution devoid of ethnic and religious bigotry.
The statement noted that the Army’s operational and administrative processes and actions are guided by the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and not ethnicity or religious sentiments.
The Army therefore urged the public to dismiss the misleading report, which evidently stems from a misconception and lack of understanding about Army’s Standing Operating Procedures.
“It is crucial to reiterate that any deviation from the NA’s SOP is met with appropriate disciplinary action, regardless of the personnel’s religious affiliation,” the statement emphasised.
(Editor: Ken Eseni)
