The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has denied reports of troop bias on the Plateau and cautioned religious leaders against making malicious statements about the military.
The Acting Director of Defence Information, Brig-Gen Tukur Gusau, stated this while reacting to a viral video featuring the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Mangu Chapter, Rev. Timothy Daluk, who accused the military of supervising killings in Plateau State.
He said the video aims to malign military personnel deployed to address the security challenges in the Mangu general area by making what he termed “baseless and untrue accusations, claiming that the military is biassed and supports a particular group against others.”.
“We categorically state that these accusations hold no truth, are malicious, and lack any reasonable foundation,” he said.
The statement recalled that there was a breach of security in the Mangu municipal area on January 23, 2024, resulting in the Government of Plateau State declaring a 24-hour curfew.
As a result, troops reinforced Operation SAFE HAVEN in Mangu to enforce the curfew, bring the situation under control, and prevent its spread to other areas.
He said the troops carried out their duties professionally and in accordance with the rules of engagement, adding that they have successfully arrested criminals involved in looting and burning properties, as well as recovered weapons.
“It is deeply disturbing that a religious leader, who is expected to demonstrate high levels of moral judgement and truthfulness, has resorted to spreading falsehoods about the military and its personnel. We want to reiterate that the military remains neutral, focused, professional, and committed to its constitutional role of protecting the lives and property of law-abiding citizens. We will deal with anybody found disobeying the law without bias or prejudice,” he said.
He, therefore, called on the general public to support the ongoing military operations aimed at decimating non-state actors operating in the troubled areas of the state.
He reiterated that the Army will not be distracted by “baseless accusations and remains steadfast in its commitment to restoring peace and security.”
“We strongly caution individuals involved in making malicious comments against the military to cease such acts. Henceforth, any person found spreading falsehoods will face constitutional redress, regardless of their status in society.”
