*Promises to investigate viral video
By Chuka Okeke
The Nigerian Army has denied destroying any property in Mgbowo, Awgu Local Government Area in Enugu State.
It also denied engaging in indiscriminate shooting in a joint operation it conducted in the area as depicted in a viral video.
Although the Army in press statement by the Acting Deputy-Director, Public Relations, 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Major Abubakar Absullahi, said investigations into the video is on-going “to ascertain when and where it was shot and those involved”, the Army spokesman concluded the video “does not depict a recent raid”.
He however promised that “any personnel found culpable would be sanctioned accordingly”, assuring that “updates will be communicated when investigation is completed.”
Stating that “the video does not portray the recent raid by the joint troop in Awgu Community,” Abdullahi added that “it is meant to whip up sentiment and incite the public against the Army”.
He advised members of the public “to disregard such propaganda materials intended to mislead the public.
“We shall continue to support other security agencies in line with our constitutional mandate in a professional manner.
“Any act of unprofessional conduct among our troops will not be tolerated.”
The statement confirmed that troops of Joint Security Team raided a suspected Indigeneous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) hideout located in Mgbowo, Awgu Local Government Area, on 1 November 2021.
“During the night operation, two ring leaders of IPOB/ ESN were arrested. The suspects are currently undergoing interrogation with a security agency.
“It should be noted that, contrary to IPOB/ESN propaganda video, there was no incident of indiscriminate firing or unprovoked burning of houses during the raid.
“The joint operation in Awgu was conducted in the night and there was no destruction of any private property involved,” Major Abdullahi stated.
