In a statement by the Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sagir Musa, some unnamed foreign powers, are said to be working in concert with their local collaborators to complicate Nigeria’s security challenges by sponsoring terrorism and banditry.
According to the army, not only are these elements working assiduously to derail the ongoing counter-insurgency efforts, as well as the West African sub-region, they were also hard at work to scuttle the country’s democracy as well as the May 29 handover date.
Col. Musa said the “mischief markers were determined to undermine the peace and integrity of Nigeria.”
He noted with great concern, efforts by some unpatriotic individuals, groups and foreign interests determined to cause mischief and exacerbate the security situation in this country in particular, and West African Sub-region.
The statement added that these persons and groups were making concerted efforts to further induce the Islamic State for West African Province (ISWAP)/Boko Haram terrorists and bandits with funds and other logistic supports.
“Their body language and unguarded utterances seem to be in tandem with the above and imply tacit support for the criminals. For example, credible sources have shown that some individuals are hobnobbing with Boko Haram terrorists, while others are deliberately churning out falsehood against security agencies with a view to setting the military against the people and the government,” the statement said.
It added: “They are also demoralising troops and security agencies through false accusations and fake news. Therefore, it has become necessary to inform the public and warn such persons and groups to desist as the consequences of their actions would be calamitous to themselves and our great country.
“Some of these mischievous elements thought that we would not have a safe and successful general elections, but were proven wrong, hence they want to derail the scheduled handing over later this month and to scuttle the democratic process in the country.
“We also noted that foreign interests are also working assiduously to cause disaffection and divide the coalition Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) to give room for the so-called ISWAP and its defeated local franchise, Boko Haram terrorists group to resurrect,” it stated.
It further said that while the military has confidence in the Federal Government’s efforts at sustaining and reinvigorating the MNJTF to continue its good work, it would not relent in clearing the visages and remnants of Boko Haram terrorists and their sympathisers, adding that the Nigerian Army as a stakeholder in national security and sustenance of democracy would do all that is necessary to maintain the peace.
“We would like to reiterate our unalloyed loyalty to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and we are determined more than ever before to continue to uphold the Constitution and defend the territorial integrity of this nation from both external and internal aggression.
“Nigeria is a sovereign country with clearly established judicial system, therefore all aggrieved persons and groups should take advantage of that and resolve their differences amicably,” the statement stressed.
