The Nigerian Army says it does not deploy its troops along ethnic or religious lines in defending the territorial integrity of the nation as stated by Sheik Ahmed Gumi.
The army spokesman, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Yerima, mentioned this in a statement while reacting to a video clip in which Gumi told bandits that they are being attacked by non-Muslim soldiers.
He said that the army conduct all its operations “in strict adherence to rules of engagement, code of conduct and respect for the fundamental human rights of the citizenry without any exception.”
Yerima went further to urge Gumi and other opinion leaders against making divisive and disparaging utterances against the Army to portray it in bad light.
In the statement released on Monday titled, ‘Nigerian Army does not deploy its troops along ethnic or religious lines,’ Yerima said “While the Nigerian Army would not want to join issues with the respected Sheik Ahmed Gumi, it is important to restate that the Nigerian Army as a national institution does not deploy its troops along ethnic or religious lines.
“Therefore, Sheikh Ahmed Gumi and other opinion merchants are pleased enjoined to exercise restraint not to drag the image and reputation of one of the most reliable national institutions to disrepute.
“The Nigerian Army remains the pride of the nation and has continually defended the territorial integrity of this great nation. Comments suggesting mudslinging the image and reputation of the Nigerian Army are not only inimical but tended towards creating bad blood amongst Nigerians.
“Furthermore, most operations conducted by the Nigerian Army were done in strict adherence to rules of engagement, code of conduct and respect for the fundamental human rights of the citizenry without any exception.
“It is, therefore, disturbing that an opinion leader would deliberately want to disparage the Nigerian Army to portray it in bad light.”
Discussion about this post