Brigadier-General-Sani-Kukasheka-Usman
Boko Haram: Again,
Brigadier-General-Sani-Kukasheka-Usman
Boko Haram: Again, Nigerian Army Warns Against Misguided
Media Comments
The Nigerian Army (NA) has observed with concern the recent
negative reportage and criticisms of her activities in the social
and mainstream media especially as it relates to equipment and
attacks on troops’ locations in Operation LAFIYA DOLE.
It is further observed that some individuals and groups in and
outside Nigeria have been making false claims and allegations that
Boko Haram terrorists are better equipped than the Armed Forces
Nigeria (AFN).
Nothing can be further from the truth as the AFN have
universally accepted doctrines, are better trained, equipped and
well -motivated. Therefore, there is no basis for comparison
between the Nigerian soldier and the Boko Haram terrorists. Whereas
the Nigerian military system is voluntary and enlistment or
commission are borne out of patriotism and love for the country,
the terrorists on the other hand are indoctrinated and in most
cases coerced to take up arms against the state and humanity.
These issues are further exacerbated by a section of the media,
possibly at the behest of some disgruntled elements in the society.
The attacks on NA troops are not as a result of superior arms or
equipment, rather it is due to the use of a psychological weapon
which is as good as any lethal weapons. The psychological attacks
have been further aggravated by some unpatriotic elements in the
society that take joy and pride in propagating such falsehoods.
It is surprising that some Nigerians, for whatever mundane
reasons, would compare a group of confused and misguided elements
operating under the influence of drugs and warped ideologies to NA
troops. It will be necessary to observe that unlike the NA, the
terrorists live amongst the populace and used that opportunity to
spread their propaganda. NA fights according to set down ROE while
the BHT does not. Also, while the NA seeks to protect lives and
properties, the renegades seek to destroy same.
Our conviction is that these negative comments about the NA are
aimed at demoralizing the troops and breaking its cohesion. They
are borne out of selfish, political and unpatriotic reasons with a
view to bringing down the government of the day. We totally condemn
and reject the insinuations that the BHT are better equipped than
the NA. Rather, we are bold to say and re-affirm that NA troops are
better trained, equipped and better motivated than the rag-tag BHT.
Indeed, there are no basis for comparison.
It should be realized that the use of psychological attack on
the NA is as potent as the use of arms and ammunition.
Unfortunately, the psychological attacks are not being waged
against the NA by the BHT alone but also by some misguided elements
both within and out of the country, either under the guise of
humanitarian and Human Rights concerns or low morale. Far from
that, most of these false allegations were based on selfish and
mostly political reasons by unpatriotic elements.
Despite extant rules, these group of persons discuss highly
classified military issues which they are mostly ignorant about on
various media platforms. Indeed, those who should know better are
the ones perpetrating these acts.
The psychological effects of spreading misinformation and fake
news are grievous and inimical to national security and should not
be allowed to continue. Conduct prejudicial to military discipline
and cowardice as being exhibited by few misguided soldiers should
not be misconstrued as a failure on the part of the military or the
government.
Military equipment and welfare are known issues in the NA, and
when such problems are observed, appropriate steps are taken to
remedy them. The President has provided for NA in terms of welfare
and equipment. Nigerians are enjoined to note that military issues
are not all comers’ affairs. The Nigerian Army will always address
its challenges and will take charge of any issue without any
external prompting, criticism or condemnation. We will remain
responsive and professional in the discharge of our constitutional
responsibilities.
SANI KUKASHEKA USMAN
Brigadier General
Director Army Public Relations