Abia: Stop The Blackmail, Army Is Not Abetting Criminality In Isuikwuato – Army Reacts To Allegations

The Nigerian Army has reacted to it allegedly abetting criminality in the Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State, a statement credited to the member representing the constituency in the state House of Assembly, Honourable Barrister Emeka Okorafor.

Honorable Okorafor had in an interview with FLO FM, accused the Nigerian Army of abetting criminals who engage in kidnap, rape, and other criminal activities in the constituent.

He said for instance, on Thursday 19th August 2021, some criminals masquerading as herdsmen blocked the road between ABSU and Ogudasa for hours raping, stealing and kidnapping people. He said it was during this incident that university lecturer and other persons who cannot be accounted for were kidnapped.

The Honorable further said immediately after the incident, the security arrangement put in place by the council made some arrest ,and few minutes after their arrest ,an order came from 143 Brigade Ohafia for their immediate release despite evidences linking them to kidnapping such as multiple SIM card, charms, army camouflage.

He also alleged that the next day after the incident, two other men carrying charms, phones and multiple simple cards and five others communicating with them to ascertain if the road is clear for them to strike were arrested by the security architecture put in place by the Council still, but on the orders of the military they were released.

Reacting to the Honorable’s allegations, the Nigerian Army in a statement signed by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, denied the allegations, adding that the Honorable member’s insinuations are not only unfounded, but a travesty of facts and reality.

The statement read;

The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to a spurious allegation by an assembly member representing Isuikwuato constituency of Abia State who alleged that when security agents arrested suspected kidnappers of Abia State University lecturers, a certain call came from a high military formation ordering the release of the arrested suspects despite strong evidence linking them with the said crime.

Much as we do not want to join issues with the insinuators, it is crucial to set the record straight. If truly the claims in the said report emanated from the lawmaker, then we must state without mincing words that they are not only unfounded but a travesty of facts and reality. The claim is completely devoid of truth. It is most unfair for anyone at that height of the social ladder to sponsor a smear campaign against the Nigerian Army for whatever reason; particularly knowing that he has access to the leadership of the military.

Contrary to the narrative being peddled in the said report, it took the gallantry of our men on patrol to rescue the victims of the said kidnap incident before handing them over to the police. How then could the same Army that was instrumental to the rescue of the victims, turn around to order the release of the suspects. Evidently, this is illogical and a blatant lie.

The Nigerian Army therefore, wishes to state that the misguided report is actually an abysmally failed attempt at blackmailing the NA for denying unscrupulous elements the freedom of action to foist lawlessness and violence on the good people and government of Abia state.

The honourable lawmaker should have abinitio, sought clarifications from the Army before resorting to media trial.

We therefore appeal to members of the public to approach the Army on any issue requiring clarification rather than resorting to blackmail.

The Nigeria Army is firmly committed to the fight against banditry and criminality in the country. Nigerians, including residents of Abia state are assured of their security as we relentlessly continue to discharge our constitutional responsibilities.