RE: ANGRY SOLDIERS BLOCK, RELEASE GOC OVER FOOD, WATER SHORTAGE

The attention of the Nigerian Army was drawn to
a news story on the online page of Daily Trust
newspaper titled “Angry soldiers Block, Release
GOC Over Food, Water Shortage” written by
Shehu Abubakar.
While acknowledging that indeed troops that
captured the strategic forest of Alagarno,
experienced some logistics problem that include
water shortage, due to some unforeseen
circumstances which is normal in war situation, it
is not true that the troops behaved in the manner
he stated. If Alagarno is truly inaccessible, how
did the gallant troops rout out the Boko Haram
terrorists in the forest? The concoction of this
story and the release of yet another video by
some remnants of Boko Haram terrorists could
be more than mere coincidence. Therefore, one
begin to wonder what is the motive behind such
false story by the reporter.
For the avoidance of doubt, the Acting General
Officer Commanding (GOC), 7 Division, Brigadier
General VO Ezugwu indeed visited the troops and
also supplied water to them. The GOC did not
leave the troops as insinuated. Rather, the troops
hailed the GOC for his passion and empathic
disposition towards the soldiers. As a matter of
fact, he actively participated in clearance
operations along Bulablin-Alargano axis with the
troops and was with them in their defensive
location throughout.
Consequently, the Nigerian Army wishes to
request the retraction of this story by the paper
and also enjoin reporters to always cross check
their facts before filing their stories. They should
also understand that misinformation by Boko
Haram terrorists and their sympathizers greatly
assist their evil activities.
The public is urged to disregard the story and
continue to support the Nigerian Army in the fight
to end terrorism and insurgency in our beloved
country.
Thank you for your kind cooperation.
Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman
Acting Director, Army Public Relations