Army Denies Harassing Civilians In Imo, Arrests Gunrunner In Taraba
The Nigerian Army has dismissed allegations that its personnel burnt homes, looted property, and harassed civilians in Umualumaku, Ehime-Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.
Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni, described the claims as deliberate attempts to undermine the Division’s operations.
He said troops in the state operate within the confines of military ethics and the rules of engagement.
“The populace is kindly advised to note that no soldier under the Command was involved in such misconduct,” Ayeni said.
“The allegation appears to be the handiwork of criminal actors who, in their usual style, orchestrate such malicious reports to smear the image of the Division and undermine its efforts to ensure a safe and secure environment within the area of operation.
“Their objective is to sow seeds of discord to erode the public trust that the Division has diligently built,” he added.
Ayeni reaffirmed the Division’s dedication to protecting the Nigerian Constitution and ensuring the safety of law-abiding citizens.
“It is important to add that the Division will continue to collaborate with other security agencies, community leaders, and civil society organisations to identify, apprehend, and prosecute those truly responsible for such violence and uncivilised acts.
“Meanwhile, the media is urged to rely only on verified information, as misinformation and disinformation are tools commonly deployed by criminal elements to undermine peace-building efforts,” he concluded.
In another development, troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), arrested a suspected arms trafficker in Taraba State.
Security operatives tracked and apprehended 29-year-old Bulyami Shuaib, an alleged major player in a regional arms syndicate.
The operation took place around the Ambassador Roundabout in Wukari Local Government Area. Shuaib hails from Belango Village in Karim Lamido Local Government Area.
During the arrest, authorities recovered several items believed to be linked to arms trafficking according to the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade, Lieutenant Umar Mohammed.
“Items recovered from the suspect during the operation include: 362 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one round of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, N842,100, one black Jing Cheng rubber motorcycle, one Redmi Android phone, one itel phone, two silver rings and one First Bank ATM card.”
Mohammed confirmed that the suspect is in custody and has been assisting security agencies with intelligence to support ongoing investigations.
Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, Commander 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 OPWS, commended the troops for their swift action and reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to eliminating criminal threats in the region.
He urged residents to support military efforts by sharing timely and credible information that could enhance security operations across Taraba and neighbouring states.
Army Denies Harassing Civilians In Imo, Arrests Gunrunner In Taraba is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
