The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) of the Nigerian Armed Forces has reacted to a report by The Cable Online, that the soldiers manning the CCTV monitoring room were asleep during the attack on the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) by bandits.
According to a statement by the Director, Defence Information, Major General Benjamin Olufemi Sawyer, the allegations were untrue and unverifiable.
Maj Gen Olufemi cautioned The Cable Online to desist from publishing fake news, adding that it was an attempt by unscrupulous elements to tarnish the image of the armed forces of Nigeria.
He assured that investigations are ongoing to determine the remote and immediate cause of the attack, adding that a mission was underway to rescue the abducted military officer.
The statement read:
“The attention of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) have been drawn to a news publication by Cable online news media claiming that personnel on duty at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) CCTV monitoring room were sleeping when bandits attacked the officers’ residential quarters leading to the death of two officers and the abduction of 1 other officer.
“The Nigerian Armed Forces wishes to state categorically that the allegation is untrue and hence challenge the Cable Online to publish forthwith a verifiable proof of personnel sleeping during the incident.
“It is therefore imperative to caution the Cable Online media to guide against being used as a propaganda tool by enemies of our dear country. The Cable Online should not consciously or unconsciously collaborate with these unscrupulous elements to spread unverified stories on the unfortunate event that occurred at NDA Kaduna while tarnishing the good image and reputation of personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) in the eyes of the civil populace.
“It is perhaps important to mention that the AFN as a professional force consists of highly trained personnel who are dedicated to their duties of protecting lives and property of all Nigerians.
“Let me use this opportunity, to reiterate that the NDA authorities, acting on the directive of the Chief of Defence Staff has constituted a board of enquiry to ascertain the remote and immediate cause(s) of the breach of security with a view to sanction any personnel found culpable and also prevent future occurrence.
“Let me also assure that we shall continue to update the general public as events unfold as we are all aware the search and rescue of the abducted officer is still on. Troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria will continue with it’s operations to ensure all those involved in the dastardly act are brought to justice.
“You are kindly requested to disseminate this vital information to the public.
“Thank you for your unwavering support to the Armed Forces.
