The Nigerian Army on Thursday clarified the arrest of 10 suspected hoodlums at a hotel in Edo State
Acting Director Army Public Relations Col. Sani Kukasheka Usman gave the clearification on Thursday. “The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to an online publications alleging that Soldiers of 4 Brigade Nigerian Army and personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS) Edo State command of arresting and molesting 10 journalists in Benin, Edo State earlier today” Usman said.
The Army spokesman stated that online media report is not correct as they did not get their facts right. “It is important to state that sequel to the prevailing security situation in the state which led to the postponement of the earlier scheduled Gubernatorial Election in Edo State, there were credible security reports that some unpatriotic persons have hired hoodlums with the intention of causing mayhem during the forthcoming election in the State. The reports further showed that   the suspected hoodlums have been lodged in some hotels within Benin city and its environs” Usman added.
He said acting on the security report, the DSS in conjunction with troops of 4 Brigade Nigerian Army carried out cordon and search operations in the suspected areas. “This led to the   arrest of 10 suspected persons in one of the hotel. Among the suspects arrested was a deserted soldier” he said.
Usman further stated that none of the arrested suspects identified himself as a journalist or mention the media he reports for, contrary to the allegations of the online media. “In addition, quite a number of incriminating items including INEC sensitive materials were recovered from them” said Usman.
He said all the suspects were treated humanely and in the most dignified manner which has always been in accordance with the military Code of Code and the tradition. “Therefore none of them was molested at all during the operation and subsequent handing over to the relevant security agency” Usman said.
He reiterated the position of the present leadership of the Nigerian Army under the command of Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai which has zero tolerance for such unprofessional and unethical conduct such as harassment and molestation of innocent citizens. “The Nigerian Army would always conduct itself professionally and responsibly in all its operations. Therefore, it is always advisable to always cross check facts before rushing to file or post such stories” Usman said.
