The Nigerian Army has denied allegations that it is recruiting Islamic fundamentalists and jihadists.
The Army said this while addressing concerns raised in a viral video circulating on social media.
The video, which depicts an officer allegedly encouraging Muslim young men to join the military to protect and propagate Islam, has been branded as misleading and false by the Army.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, asserted that the video aims to incite religious tension in the country.
“The Nigerian Army (NA) has been drawn to an audio-visual recording circulating on various online platforms, purportedly showing a misleading report suggesting that the NA is recruiting Islamic fundamentalists and jihadists,” Nwachukwu stated.
“The footage also falsely portrayed an officer calling on Muslim young men to join the military to protect and propagate Islam.”
Nwachukwu emphasized that the narrative depicted in the video does not reflect the true values and standards of the Nigerian Army.
He warned that the video’s intention is to spark anxiety and fear, sow discord among military personnel, erode public confidence in the Army, and ignite a religious crisis in Nigeria.
“Considering the gravity of this falsehood, the NA wishes to clearly state that the narrative depicted in the footage is not in any instance a reflection of the true values and standards of the NA, as it is targeted at sparking palpable anxiety and fear, sowing discord and mistrust amongst our personnel, eroding public confidence in the integrity of the NA, particularly among Christian and non-Muslim communities, who might feel their lives and faith are under threat, and ultimately engender religious crisis in the country,” he said.
Nwachukwu reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to professionalism and impartiality, stating that the institution does not consider ethnicity or religion in its operational and administrative processes.
“The NA remains steadfast in upholding professionalism and impartiality as an institution devoid of ethnic and religious bigotry. Our operational and administrative processes and actions are guided by the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and not ethnicity or religious sentiments,” he said.
The public was urged to disregard the video, with Nwachukwu highlighting that any deviation from the Army’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) is met with appropriate disciplinary action, regardless of the personnel’s religious affiliation.
“We, therefore, urge the public to dismiss this misleading report, which stems from a misconception and lack of understanding about NA’s Standing Operating Procedures.
“It is crucial to reiterate that any deviation from the NA’s SOP is met with appropriate disciplinary action, regardless of the personnel’s religious affiliation,” he added.
Nwachukwu called on all citizens to stand united against divisive tactics, emphasizing that Nigeria’s strength lies in its unity in diversity.
“The strength of Nigeria lies in its unity in diversity, and it is this unique national strength and trait that the NA seeks to protect while carrying out its constitutional responsibilities.
“ We will remain undaunted in upholding these principles in the face of any challenge.
“ The NA remains committed to serving and protecting all Nigerians, irrespective of religious or ethnic affiliations.
“Let us work together to maintain the peace and unity of our great nation,” he concluded.
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