No Mutiny In Maiduguri Barracks, Says Nigerian Military
Written by Madu Onuorah, Abuja
Nigerian Guardian
THE Defence Headquarters has vehemently denied reports of a “Second Mutiny in Maimalari Barracks as Soldiers Manhandle Commander” by online media.
A statement in Abuja signed by the Director Defence Information (DDI), Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade, said: “What the online outlet garnished and dubbed as ‘mutiny’ was just a presentation of complaints by representatives of personnel families, who wanted the ban on motorcycles as a means of public transportation in the barracks reversed.
“Soldiers were not involved and there was no single shot fired by soldiers throughout the period, as claimed in the report.”
He stated that although the ban was part of security measures put in place for the safety of the soldiers and their families, the Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) obliged their request and directed a suspension of the ban, pending when the planned alternative transportation arrangement is put in place.
“He was not insulted or manhandled, as reported. The imputation of mutiny was concocted by the online medium ostensibly to raise false alarm and create the impression of disquiet in the military.
“It is very obvious that a section of the media is feasting on the current security challenges and is desperate to sustain the tempo of the crisis through sensational reportage,” he added.
Olukolade noted that mutiny is a very grievous breach that attracts severe sanctions in the military and should not be trivialised by those who don’t understand its ramifications.
“The general public is therefore requested to discountenance the rumours, as no such incident took place.
“The mass media is again requested to beware of lifting stories on the military from online media, as this has become the main channel of disseminating falsehood on happenings in the system.”
In another development, the military spokesman said cordon and search exercise has led to the discovery of rocket launcher production facility at Dorayi District in Kumbotso Council of Kano State, following the arrest of a prominent Boko Haram member.
He disclosed that locally-made anti-aircraft gun and mortar accessories, as well as rocket-propelled grenade tubes and launcher, along with accessories, were recovered.
Also seized, according to Olukolade, were three AK47 rifles and hundreds of rounds of assorted ammunitions, as well as drilling machines and other fabricating equipment.
He reminded the general public to report suspicious persons to security agencies in their localities to prevent unwholesome act by terrorists.
Meanwhile, British Foreign Secretary, Mr. William Hague, yesterday lauded the United Nations (UN) addition of Boko Haram on its sanctions list.
The UN Security Council’s Al Qaida Sanctions Committee had on Thursday added Boko Haram to its list of groups subjected to financial and arms sanctions.
In a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) by the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos, Hague said Britain had always wanted and supported the sanctions.
“The United Kingdom (UK) has shown its strong support for securing the listing.
“Britain was the first country to proscribe Boko Haram and was pleased to support Nigeria’s demand that the UN takes action.
“I, therefore, welcome the listing of Boko Haram by the UN Security Council’s Al Qaida Sanctions Committee.’’
He said that the sanction was a demonstration of the international community’s support for Nigeria’s effort at fighting terrorism, adding:
“Boko Haram is an inhumane organisation that has no respect for religion or belief or a person’s right to decide his way of life.’’
Hague noted that it has become an offence for anybody or organisation to provide financial or material support for the sect, including the provision of arms or recruits.
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| Nigerian military forces guard damaged bridge on the border with Cameroon. |
Nigerian Guardian
THE Defence Headquarters has vehemently denied reports of a “Second Mutiny in Maimalari Barracks as Soldiers Manhandle Commander” by online media.
A statement in Abuja signed by the Director Defence Information (DDI), Maj-Gen. Chris Olukolade, said: “What the online outlet garnished and dubbed as ‘mutiny’ was just a presentation of complaints by representatives of personnel families, who wanted the ban on motorcycles as a means of public transportation in the barracks reversed.
“Soldiers were not involved and there was no single shot fired by soldiers throughout the period, as claimed in the report.”
He stated that although the ban was part of security measures put in place for the safety of the soldiers and their families, the Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) obliged their request and directed a suspension of the ban, pending when the planned alternative transportation arrangement is put in place.
“He was not insulted or manhandled, as reported. The imputation of mutiny was concocted by the online medium ostensibly to raise false alarm and create the impression of disquiet in the military.
“It is very obvious that a section of the media is feasting on the current security challenges and is desperate to sustain the tempo of the crisis through sensational reportage,” he added.
Olukolade noted that mutiny is a very grievous breach that attracts severe sanctions in the military and should not be trivialised by those who don’t understand its ramifications.
“The general public is therefore requested to discountenance the rumours, as no such incident took place.
“The mass media is again requested to beware of lifting stories on the military from online media, as this has become the main channel of disseminating falsehood on happenings in the system.”
In another development, the military spokesman said cordon and search exercise has led to the discovery of rocket launcher production facility at Dorayi District in Kumbotso Council of Kano State, following the arrest of a prominent Boko Haram member.
He disclosed that locally-made anti-aircraft gun and mortar accessories, as well as rocket-propelled grenade tubes and launcher, along with accessories, were recovered.
Also seized, according to Olukolade, were three AK47 rifles and hundreds of rounds of assorted ammunitions, as well as drilling machines and other fabricating equipment.
He reminded the general public to report suspicious persons to security agencies in their localities to prevent unwholesome act by terrorists.
Meanwhile, British Foreign Secretary, Mr. William Hague, yesterday lauded the United Nations (UN) addition of Boko Haram on its sanctions list.
The UN Security Council’s Al Qaida Sanctions Committee had on Thursday added Boko Haram to its list of groups subjected to financial and arms sanctions.
In a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) by the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos, Hague said Britain had always wanted and supported the sanctions.
“The United Kingdom (UK) has shown its strong support for securing the listing.
“Britain was the first country to proscribe Boko Haram and was pleased to support Nigeria’s demand that the UN takes action.
“I, therefore, welcome the listing of Boko Haram by the UN Security Council’s Al Qaida Sanctions Committee.’’
He said that the sanction was a demonstration of the international community’s support for Nigeria’s effort at fighting terrorism, adding:
“Boko Haram is an inhumane organisation that has no respect for religion or belief or a person’s right to decide his way of life.’’
Hague noted that it has become an offence for anybody or organisation to provide financial or material support for the sect, including the provision of arms or recruits.
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