NDA attack: Soldiers on duty not sleeping, says Defence Headquarters
By Aisha Abass
The Nigerian government has denied reports that soldiers at NDA were sleeping when armed men attacked the age long military institution.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Director Defence Information
Major General Benjamin Olufemi Sawyerr on behalf of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said the reports were untrue.
The statement made available to Irohinoodua said news media claiming that personnel on duty at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) CCTV monitoring room were sleeping when bandits attacked the officers’ residential quarters leading to the death of two officers and the abduction of 1 other officer were false.
Armed men on Tuesday invaded Nigeria’s premium military institution causing havoc. At least one officer was kidnapped amidst reports of N200m being demanded as ransom.
“The Nigerian Armed Forces wishes to state categorically that the allegation is untrue and hence challenge the Cable Online to publish forthwith a verifiable proof of personnel sleeping during the incident” Sawyerr said
He urged the media to guide against being used as a propaganda tool by enemies of our dear country.
He urged the media not to consciously or unconsciously collaborate with “unscrupulous elements” to spread unverified stories on the unfortunate event that occurred at NDA Kaduna while tarnishing the good image and reputation of personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) in the eyes of the civil populace.
“It is perhaps important to mention that the AFN as a professional force consist of highly trained personnel who are dedicated to their duties of protecting lives and property of all Nigerians.
“Let me use this opportunity, to reiterate that the NDA authorities, acting on the directive of the Chief of Defence Staff has constituted a board of enquiry to ascertain the remote and immediate cause(s) of the breach of security with a view to sanction any personnel found culpable and also prevent future occurrence.”
The Defence Headquarters assured that it will continue to update the general public as events unfold.
It said the search and rescue of the abducted officer is still on.
“Troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria will continue with it’s operations to ensure all those involved in the dastardly act are brought to justice” the Defense Headquarters stated.