The Nigerian Army has said it will investigate the allegation of extortion of commuters against its personnel by Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum and punish those found wanting.
A statement by the Nigerian Army Operations Media Coordinator, Col. Aminu Iliyasu, on Tuesday, said the army authorities observed that such public outburst particularly by a state governor could be counterproductive and capable of reversing the gains recorded so far in the ongoing fight against insurgents and other criminal elements across the nation.
According to the statement, it is on record that whenever such allegations of troops’ misconduct were made in the past, the Nigerian Army never reneged in conducting thorough investigations to establish them.
“Where any infractions were established against any personnel, appropriate sanctions were applied in line with extant rules and regulations as provided for in the Armed Forces Act CAP A20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.
“Thus, the Nigerian Army wishes to assure the good people of Borno State and indeed the nation at large that any allegations of misconduct against its troops will be duly investigated and culprits will be dealt with accordingly,” he said.
“The Nigerian Army wishes to emphatically reiterate its steadfastness on the protection of lives, properties of all law abiding citizens as it is committed to wiping out insurgency in the North East and other forms of criminality across the country.
“Additionally, citizens’ continuous support and cooperation is highly appreciated.
“Any observed misconduct by troops could be reported directly through a toll – free code 193 for immediate remedy,” he said.
