Again, Army Explains Role In General Elections | Nairalaw

The Nigerian Army has warned the United Kingdom against
interfering in Nigeria’s elections following comments by the UK
that the role of the military in the Rivers State elections was
improper.

The British High Commission in Nigeria had in a series of tweets
on Monday expressed concerns over the report of military
interference in the election in Rivers State.

It said the military interference in the polls put stress on the
staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission and has made
it difficult for them to carry out their duties.

However, the army said in a statement by acting Director of
Public Relations, Col. Sagir Musa, that the allegations were
baseless.

In a statement titled, ‘Re: UK expresses concern over military
involvement in Rivers poll’, the army denied allegations that its
men contributed to the electoral problems in the state.

“Foreign interests are enjoined to be mindful of interfering in
our national internal affairs especially when there is no credible
evidence. Any allegation against the NA must be confirmed from
appropriate quarters before jumping to conclusions,” the army
said.

The agency said there was no evidence to show that its men
compromised the exercise.

The statement added, “The NA wishes to state that the statement
is totally baseless, untrue and therefore capable of misleading
unsuspected members of the public, especially when there is no
credible record of such involvement anywhere in Nigeria before,
during and after the 2019 elections.

“The NA, as a responsible organisation, wishes to debunk such
misrepresentation in order to set the record straight. Similarly,
it is on record that the NA has been globally applauded by many
individuals, foreign and local elections observers for its
sacrifices/roles in creating an enabling environment for a secure,
transparent and peaceful conduct of the elections.”

The army maintained that politicians gave hoodlums military
uniforms which confused members of the public.

It said it would continue to remain neutral during and after the
polls, adding that it was only providing assistance to civilian
security agencies.

It added, “The NA has also drawn the attention of the public to
mischievous activities of some selfish individuals who recruited
thugs dressed in military uniform and armed to harass and
intimidate their opponents. In some cases, as reported, and as
indicated in various intelligence reports, – hoodlums dressed in
military fatigue snatched ballot boxes and other electoral
materials. Some INEC staff were reportedly abducted.”

VIDEO: Again NAF Destroys ISWAP Infrastructure in Borno
Lake Chad

Video Link: https://youtu.be/5nKUIlju8og^[1]

The Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE has destroyed
Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists’ vehicle
and some logistics infrastructure at Tumbun Sale and Tumbun Allura
on the fringes of Lake Chad in Borno State.

The operation was conducted on 8 March 2019 on the heels of
intelligence reports indicating the presence of ISWAP fighters
along with some vehicles and logistics support items well
camouflaged under the dense vegetation within the settlements.

Accordingly, a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Alpha Jet, supported by
an Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform, was
dispatched to attack the terrorists’ hideouts in successive strikes
resulting in damage to several structures as well as the
destruction of one of the terrorists’ vehicles, which was seen
engulfed in flames.

The NAF, operating in concert with surface forces, will sustain
its efforts to completely destroy all remnants of the terrorists in
the Northeast.

IBIKUNLE DARAMOLA
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force