The
attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to an online publications
alleging that Soldiers of 4 Brigade Nigerian Army and personnel of
the Department of State Services (DSS) Edo State command of arresting and
molesting 10 journalists in Benin, Edo State earlier today.
This is
not correct as the online media did not get their facts right. It is important
to state that sequel to the prevailing security situation in the state which
led to the postponement of the earlier scheduled Gubernatorial Election
in Edo State, there were credible security reports that some unpatriotic
persons have hired hoodlums with the intention of causing
mayhem during the forthcoming election in the State.
The
reports further showed that the suspected hoodlums have been
lodged in some hotels within Benin city and its environs. Acting on this,
the DSS in conjunction with troops of 4 Brigade Nigerian Army carried out
cordon and search operations in the suspected areas. This led to
the arrest of 10 suspected persons in one of the hotel. Among the
suspects arrested was a deserted soldier.
It is
pertinent to state that none of the arrested suspects identified himself as a
journalist or mention the media he reports for, contrary to the allegations of
the online media.
In addition, quite a number of
incriminating items including INEC sensitive materials were recovered from
them. That notwithstanding, all the suspects were treated humanely and in the
most dignified manner which has always been in accordance with our Code of Code
and the tradition.
Therefore
none of them was molested at all during the operation and subsequent handing
over to the relevant security agency. We wish to reiterate the position of the
present leadership of the Nigerian Army under the command of Lieutenant General
Tukur Yusuf Buratai which has zero tolerance for such unprofessional and
unethical conduct such as harassment and molestation of innocent citizens.
The
Nigerian Army would always conduct itself professionally and responsibly
in all its operations. Therefore, it is always advisable to always cross
check facts before rushing to file or post such stories.
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