The Nigerian Army has denied allegations that it is recruiting Islamic fundamentalists and jihadists.
The rebuttal came in response to a viral video that claimed the Army was recruiting jihadists.
According to the Army, the video falsely depicted an officer encouraging Muslim young men to join the military to protect and propagate Islam.
The Army said the footage also falsely portrayed an officer calling on Muslim young men to join the military to protect and propagate Islam.
The Army, in a statement on Tuesday by the Director, Army Public Relations, Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, said the viral video was aimed at causing a religious crisis in the country.
The statement read, “The NA has been drawn to an audio-visual recording circulating on various online platforms, purportedly showing a misleading report suggesting that the NA is recruiting Islamic fundamentalists and jihadists. The footage also falsely portrayed an officer calling on Muslim young men to join the military to protect and propagate Islam.
“Considering the gravity of this falsehood, the NA wishes to clearly state that the narrative depicted in the footage is not in any instance a reflection of the true values and standards of the NA, as it is targeted at sparking palpable anxiety and fear, sowing discord and mistrust amongst our personnel, eroding public confidence in the integrity of the NA, particularly among Christian and non-Muslim communities, who might feel their lives and faith are under threat, and ultimately engender religious crisis in the country. ”
Onyema stated that the Army is a professional institution that does not consider ethnicity or religion.
He said, “The NA remains steadfast in upholding professionalism and impartiality as an institution devoid of ethnic and religious bigotry. Our operational and administrative processes and actions are guided by the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and not ethnicity or religious sentiments. ”
Onyema urged the public to disregard the video.
He said, “We, therefore, urge the public to dismiss this misleading report, which stems from a misconception and lack of understanding about NA’s Standing Operating Procedures.
“It is crucial to reiterate that any deviation from the NA’s SOP is met with appropriate disciplinary action, regardless of the personnel’s religious affiliation.
“We call on all citizens to rise above these divisive tactics and stand united. The strength of Nigeria lies in its unity in diversity, and it is this unique national strength and trait that the NA seeks to protect while carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.
“We will remain undaunted in upholding these principles in the face of any challenge. The NA remains committed to serving and protecting all Nigerians, irrespective of religious or ethnic affiliations. Let us work together to maintain the peace and unity of our great nation.”
