The Nigerian Army had denied allegations of its troops being on a vengeance mission in Ohafia, Abia state.
The army also states that none of its troops was lost during a face-off with the Eastern Security Network (ESN), as some reports recently claimed.
This was revealed in a statement by Brig-Gen Mohammed Yerima, who said “The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to a story making rounds on social media, that troops are on a vengeance mission in some communities in Abia State following the death of six soldiers in a clash with ESN/IPOB terrorists.
“The story further alleged that because of the rumours, residents of Elu, Amangwu and Amaekpu in Ohafia LGA have embarked on a mass exodus out of fear”.
He said “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.
According to him, the troops’ only interest is to restore socio-economic activities which were hitherto disrupted by criminal activities of IPOB/ESN elements, who attack security agents and government infrastructures in the state.
He added that troops of the Nigerian Army working in conjunction with personnel of Nigeria Police and other security agencies, most times leverage on timely and accurate intelligence provided by patriotic citizens, hence seeks the corporation of the people, he assured the people that soldiers will continue to work tirelessly in order to restore normalcy to troubled areas and to rid the state of all criminal elements.
Brig-Gen Mohammed Yerima added that the Army wishes to reassure the good people of Abia State of the safety of their lives and properties, and further 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.
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