The Nigerian Army has discredited reports that the current military exercise in South East Nigeria is aimed at forcefully occupying the region.
Speaking on behalf of the Army, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, said this in a briefing at the AHQ Conference Room in Abuja on Monday.
“Before we proceed with the press briefing, it is crucial to dispel the unfounded narrative that the ongoing exercises are aimed at the military occupation of the South East,” he added.
“Contrary to this insinuation, the deployment of troops of the Nigerian Army is not only in South East Nigeria but also in the troubled parts of the country, particularly in the North West and North Eastern Nigeria where troops are conducting major operations to tackle more threatening national security challenges.”
Oyama recalled that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya had on October 4th, 2021, flagged off military exercises across four regions of the country, explaining that they were taking place in 20 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“Furthermore, these exercises are traditionally scheduled to hold in the last quarter of the year to checkmate all forms of crimes as the yuletide approaches,” he said, adding that the exercises have recorded massive successes across the nation.
The Army Spokesman added that the COAS has lauded troops for the major victories recorded so far in the exercises while urging for more effort in the fight against insurgency.
“Troops are also encouraged to remain professional, vigilant, and exhibit utmost respect for the human rights of citizens in their respective areas of responsibilities,” Onyema further added in a statement he issued after the briefing.
“The Nigerian Army urges law-abiding citizens to take ownership of the ongoing exercises and volunteer useful actionable information to security agencies.”
He also said that the Army is offering free medical services to host communities in addition to the military exercise in the region.
