By Asuquo Cletus Felix
The Nigerian Army has denied recruiting Islamic fundamentalist and Jihadist, into the Army.
This is coming, after a viral audio-visual report circulating on social media, had alleged that the Army is recruiting Islamic fundamentalists and jihadists.
In a press release issued on Tuesday by the director of army public relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu posted on X.com titled
“VIRAL AUDIO-VISUAL REPORT ON NIGERIAN ARMY RECRUITING JIHADISTS AIMED AT SOWING DISCORD, CAUSING RELIGIOUS CRISIS”, Onyema noted that the footage in the report had portrayed an officer calling on Muslim young men to join the military to protect and propagate Islam.
The army spokesperson added that the footage in the audio-visual reports, 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 the personnel.
Onyema also called on citizens to rise above divisive tactics and stand united.
“The attention of 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. The footage also falsely portrayed an officer calling on Muslim young men to join the military to protect and propagate Islam.
“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.
“We, therefore, urge the public to dismiss this misleading report, which evidently stems from a misconception and lack of understanding about NA’s Standing Operating Procedures (SOP).
“We call on all citizens to rise above these divisive tactics and stand united.”- It reads in part.
