Nigerian Army denies plan of military occupation of Southeast Nigeria

The Nigerian Army had at a media briefing in Abuja refuted any plan by the military to occupy southeast Nigeria. The army, therefore, denied speculations that the ongoing security exercise in the southeast is intended to militarily occupy southeast Nigeria.

The Public Affairs Director of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier Onyema Nwachukwu, at a media briefing at the AHQ Conference Room, Abuja on Monday, had declared: “before we proceed… it is crucial to dispel the unfounded narrative that the ongoing exercises are aimed at the military occupation of the Southeast.”

He clarified that “Contrary to this insinuation, the deployment of troops of the Nigerian Army is not only in Southeast Nigeria but also in the troubled parts of the country, particularly, in the North West and Northeast Nigeria, where troops are conducting major operations to tackle more threatening national security challenges.”

Brigadier Nwachukwu highlighted that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, had flagged off military exercises in the four regions of Nigeria on October 4th, 2021, adding that the exercises are being carried out in 20 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Brigadier Onyema maintained: “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 disclosed that the exercises have yielded massive successes across the nation.

Brigadier Onyema further stated: “troops are also encouraged to remain professional, vigilant, and exhibit utmost respect for the human rights of citizens in their respective areas of responsibilities.

“The Nigerian Army urges law-abiding citizens to take ownership of the ongoing exercises and volunteer useful actionable information to security agencies.”

The Army spokesman said that the exercise has been a non-kinetic operation, adding that the Army also offer free medical services to host some communities.