The Defence Headquarters has warned individuals and groups to desist from disparaging the reputation of the Nigerian Military by dragging it into its petty issues to gain political mileage saying such actions will no longer be condoned.
This is in view of a trending video clip released on Friday 19 March 2021 on Social Media, and some other media reports, alleging that some Nigerian Military personnel were on a spying mission to the residence of one Sunday Adeyemo otherwise known as “Sunday Igboho” before they were apprehended.
A signed statement by the Acting Director, Defence Media Operations, Brigadier Bernard Onyeuko made available to Channel Network Afrique indicates that the alleged soldiers seen, were accused of been sent by the Government to do a survey of Sunday Igboho’s Soka residence in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The self acclaimed ‘Yoruba activist’ also alleged that the action of the so-called soldiers were orchestrated by the Federal Government as a result of comments he made alleging that Yorubas are no longer a part of Nigeria.
Onyeuko stated that while the Defence Headquarters has no interest dragging or joining issues with Sunday Adeyemo or his associates, it is pertinent to clear the air and address these allegations squarely.
He said the Armed Forces of Nigeria, are highly professional in the discharge of their duties, with well-defined roles, responsibilities and duties in its mandate of securing the territorial integrity of the Nigerian Nation. As such, the Military cannot stoop so low to such extent to spy on one individual, as wildly and loosely alleged.
He further stated m that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is a highly disciplined and professional organization with extant laws and regulations which guide the actions of its personnel in the conduct of their duties. As such, it is practically impossible for military personnel on official duty to conduct themselves in such manner as alleged by Adeyemo and his cohorts.
According to Onyeuko, for the avoidance of doubt, preliminary investigation has so far revealed that one of the alleged soldiers is a serial impersonator.
He noted that Credible eye witnesses and sources have also revealed that some associates of Igboho went in pursuit of some individuals when the motorbike conveying the impersonator and one Nigerian Air Force personnel ran into them.
The duo were immediately apprehended and taken to the said “IGBOHO House” at Soka before Ibadan toll gate where they were branded as spies.
Investigations are ongoing by the Nigerian Airforce and Army to unravel the actual circumstances that played out on the day, Onyeuko added.
