The Nigerian Army headquarters in Abuja have described the video of one of its soldier who claimed to have been abandoned by his colleagues during an operations in Gurara, Niger State as diversionary.
Contrary to his claims, the army said the soldier actually ran away from battle front and abandoned his colleagues and absconded in an outright display of cowardice and possible sabotage, which negate the precepts of the military profession.
It however said the soldier have since reported back to his unit.
Director army public relations officer Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, who made this known in a statement, said “Contrary to the claims and impression created by the soldier in the video footage, preliminary investigations have revealed that the video footage was a deliberate attempt to shield himself from being accused of cowardice, having abandoned his colleagues during an ongoing clearance operation in Gurara, Niger State.
“It could be recalled that troops of the NA, recently carried out a clearance operation in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State. Disappointingly, during an encounter, the said soldier abandoned his colleagues and absconded in an outright display of cowardice and possible sabotage, which negate the precepts of the military profession.
“Sensing the gravity of his action and its consequences, the soldier surreptitiously uploaded the video online in a calculated attempt to whip-up public sentiment and cover up his act of cowardice. The soldier’s action amounts to a betrayal of the esprit de corps and comradery that are synomous with a military unit and fighting formation, particularly during operations. The soldier’s conduct is therefore an aberration and against the ethics and core values of the military profession.
“The video footage is thus, in all intent, and purpose a misrepresentation of what actually transpired between the soldier and his colleagues.
“The soldier has rejoined his unit and further investigations are currently ongoing to unravel the reasons behind his unprofessional conduct”.