The Nigerian Army says it does not deploy troops based on religion or ethnicity lines, and warned “opinion merchants” in the country to exercise restraint with their utterances and stop dragging the military in the mud.
The army said this in a statement by its spokesperson, Brig.-General Mohammed Yerima on Tuesday.
The statement is coming following an alleged expression by a Kaduna-Based Islamic Scholar, Sheikh Ahmed Gumi, alleging that non-Muslim soldiers are behind attacks against bandits.
Gumi was quoted to be telling some bandits in a video clip that the soldiers involved in most attacks against them were non-Muslims.
The statement read: “Sheikh Ahmed Gumi and other opinion merchants are enjoined to exercise restraint not to drag the image and reputation of one of the most reliable national institutions to disrepute.
“Comments suggesting to mudslide the image and reputation of the Nigerian Army are not only inimical but tended towards creating bad blood amongst Nigerians.
“Most operations conducted by the Nigerian Army were done in strict adherence to rules of engagement, code of conduct and respect for the fundamental human rights of the citizenry without any exception.
“Nigerian Army advise opinion leaders to be more courteous while expressing their views, taking into cognisance the imperative for national security, particularly at this difficult time when our gallant troops have redoubled their efforts to tackle the myriads of security challenges facing our dear nation.
“What our troops need now is public support to discharge their responsibility effectively and in the most professional manner.”
