We Didn’t Invade
We Didn’t Invade but Invite Media Trust Staff over
Security Issues- Army Spokesperson
The Nigerian Army wishes to clarify on alleged invasion of Media
Trust Headquarters in Abuja and regional office in Maiduguri. We
would like to state that soldiers of the Nigerian Army along with
elements of Nigeria Police Force and other Security Agencies were
indeed at Abuja and Maiduguri offices of the publishing company to
invite the staff of the company over its lead story on Sunday Trust
publication, which divulged classified military information, thus
undermining national security.
In it, the newspaper made disclosed details of planned military
operations against the Boko Haram terrorists. The disclosure of
classified security information amounts to a breach of national
security and run contrary to Sections 1 and 2 of the Official
Secrets Act. It afforded the Boko Haram terrorists prior notice of
our plans and giving them early warning to prepare against the
Nigerian military, thus sabotaging the planned operations and
putting the lives of troops in imminent and clear danger.
We would like to state that the invitation of those responsible
for divulging military plans was done with the best of intention in
order to make them realise the import of such acts to our national
security. We therefore advice all, particularly journalists, not to
worry but engage in their responsive reportage and to be
professional as the Nigerian Army has no intention of muzzling the
press or jeopardising press freedom. We however, wish to enjoin
further that they should eschew jeopardizing national security in
their reportage. We would not tolerate situation where a
publication would consistently side with terrorists and undermine
our National institutions.
We wish to appeal to all, especially the media, to join hands
with the Nigerian military and security forces to end terrorism and
insurgency in Nigeria. We would like to further assure that the
invitation is for further investigation and if need be, all those
culpable of jeopardising operations security will be prosecuted by
the relevant law enforcement agency.
SANI KUKASHEKA USMAN
Brigadier General
Director Army Public Relations