Nigerian Army (NA) has dismissed as „false and mischievous“ allegations of mass killing by troops of „Operation Udo Ka“ in the Southeast region.
A self-acclaimed leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafran (IPOB), Simon Ekpa, had, in a now-viral video, accused the military of mass killing of innocent Igbos at Oliver and dumping them in the river.
The director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, said that contrary to the false report, investigations revealed that the troops in the video footage were not personnel of the Nigerian Army. The insignia visible on their berets identifies them as personnel of the Nigerian Navy who were engaged in a routine test firing of a weapon system mounted on a vehicle.
He added that to ensure the safety of other road users and commuters, the troops took precautionary measures by halting vehicular movement along the road until the test firing was safely concluded.
He also stated that the exercises contrary to the allegations occurred in the Southwest and not the Southeast.
„Contrary to the falsehood being spread from the devious propaganda machinery of the desperate and self-serving terrorists‘ leader, the NA wishes to state that it has conducted a comprehensive investigation on the allegations made by the devious infamous leader and his associates.
„Accordingly, we wish to categorically refute these baseless claims by throwing more light on the occurrence. In the first instance, the troops in the video footage are not personnel of the Nigerian Army as the insignia visible on their berets identifies them as personnel of the Nigerian Navy, who were engaged in a routine test firing of a weapon system mounted on a vehicle. To ensure the safety of other road users and commuters, the troops took precautionary measures by halting vehicular movement along the road until the test firing was safely concluded. Observers were also kept at a safe distance, maintaining transparency and prioritising the safety of all involved.“
He continued, „Second, preliminary findings also indicate that the occurrence is in the southwest region, not the southeast, as advertised and portrayed by the propagandists.
„Furthermore, it was observed that there was no evidence to support the assertion that individuals were being shot at in the river, nor have there been any report from local communities regarding the discovery of corpses in the area“.
Therefore, he urged the public to disregard „the unfounded claims and irredeemable falsehood being propagated by Simon Ekpa and his associates, whose apparent objective is to disseminate misinformation and incite unrest.“
He reassured that the NA, sister services and other security agencies remain steadfast in their commitment to maintaining peace and order, ensuring the safety and security of all citizens in the country.
„The Nigerian Army is vigilant and prepared to counter any attempt to destabilise the southeast region“.
General Nwachukwu reaffirmed the NA‘s dedication to protecting the lives and livelihoods of all Nigerians and will continue to work tirelessly to uphold peace and order.
He further urged the public to seek verified information in order not to be misled by those who aim to incite violence and disorder.
„We salute the courage and patriotism of well-meaning and law-abiding Ndigbo, domiciled in the South East and across the nation, who, despite the brazen atrocities and threats being perpetrated by Simon Ekpa and his terrorist‘s group, have continued to build bridges of peace and harmony across the country and promoting our national ideal of a united Nigeria.“
