By Victor Akaa.
The Nigerian Army (NA) has categorically denied a misleading audio-visual report circulating online, which falsely claims that the NA is recruiting jihadists and Islamic fundamentalists.
Director ,Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu in a statement issued on Tuesday said the footage, aimed at sowing discord and sparking religious crisis, falsely portrays an officer urging Muslim youth to join the military to protect and propagate Islam.
The NA unequivocally states that this narrative is a gross misrepresentation of its values and standards. The Army remains committed to upholding professionalism, impartiality, and constitutional guidelines, devoid of ethnic and religious bias. Any deviation from its Standing Operating Procedures (SOP) is met with appropriate disciplinary action, regardless of personnel’s religious affiliation.
“Considering the gravity of these falsehood, the NA wishes to clearly state that the narrative depicted in the footage is not in any instance a reflection of the true values and standards of the NA, as it is targeted at sparking palpable anxiety and fear, sowing discord and mistrust amongst our personnel, eroding public confidence in the integrity of the NA, 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 NA urges the public to disregard this misleading report, which stems from a misconception of its SOP. The Army reaffirms its commitment to serving and protecting all Nigerians, regardless of religious or ethnic affiliations. Let us unite to maintain peace and unity in our great nation.
“The NA remains steadfast in upholding professionalism and impartiality as an institution devoid of ethnic and religious bigotry. Our 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 statement added.
