By Victor Akaa
The Nigerian Army (NA) has in strong terms denied allegations that 14 Brigade is issuing residential permits to individuals based on their ethnic group.
This denial follows the circulation of a misleading video on social media that resurfaced in 2025, despite first surfacing in 2021.
According to a statement relayed to newsmen by 82 Division’s Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Unuakhalu, the residential permit featured in the video belonged to Mr. Ibrahim Saleh, who was part of the Barracks Investment Initiative Programme (BIIP).
He noted that the programme is a livestock initiative scheme aimed at empowering personnel and their families by providing them with skills and knowledge to engage in agro-based businesses.
Lieutenant Colonel Unuakhalu noted, “The renewed circulation of this outdated content is both misleading and disingenuous.”
He added that the permit was issued to Mr. Saleh due to his expertise and after undergoing proper vetting procedures. It was retrieved upon expiration or termination of his employment.
The Army emphasised that “the implication that 14 Brigade, or any formation of the Nigerian Army, is selectively issuing residential permits to individuals or any ethnic group is completely unfounded and without merit.”
“For context, the residential permit featured in the video belonged to Mr. Ibrahim Saleh, who was intercepted by local vigilantes in 2021 while transiting through the Isiukwuato Local Government Area of Abia State.
“The matter was thoroughly investigated and fully resolved at the time, as the permit in question was issued to him while working in the barracks as part of the Barracks Investment Programme (BIIP).” He explained.
The Nigerian Army urges the public to remain vigilant and rely only on accurate and verified information from credible sources.
“In this era of artificial intelligence and digitally manipulated content, we urge the public to remain vigilant and to rely only on accurate and verified information from credible sources.”
The 82 Division of the Nigerian Army reassures the public of its commitment to operating with the highest level of professionalism, integrity, and impartiality.
“We dissociate ourselves from any form of ethnic bias and preferential treatment.”
The Army calls on all responsible citizens and stakeholders, particularly across the South-East region, to work collaboratively in promoting peace, unity, and mutual trust in the interest of national security and development.
