Nigerian Army reacts to viral video of Soldier ‘abandoned’ by colleagues during operation
Nigerian Army reacts to viral video of Soldier ‘abandoned’ by colleagues during operation
The Nigerian Army on Thursday described as misleading and diversionary a viral video that was making rounds on the social media, showing a soldier who claimed that he was abandoned by his colleagues during operations.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, on Thursday.
The NA stated that: “Contrary to the claims and impression created by the soldier in the video footage, preliminary investigations have revealed that the video footage was a deliberate attempt to shield himself from being accused of cowardice, having abandoned his colleagues during an ongoing clearance operation in Gurara, Niger State.
“It could be recalled that troops of the NA, recently carried out a clearance operation in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State.
“Disappointingly, during an encounter, the said soldier abandoned his colleagues and absconded in an outright display of cowardice and possible sabotage, which negate the precepts of the military profession.
“Sensing the gravity of his action and its consequences, the soldier surreptitiously uploaded the video online in a calculated attempt to whip-up public sentiment and cover up his act of cowardice.
According to the statement, “The soldier’s action amounts to a betrayal of the esprit de corps and comradery that are synomous with a military unit and fighting formation, particularly during operations. The soldier’s conduct is therefore an aberration and against the ethics and core values of the military profession.
“The video footage is thus, in all intent, and purpose a misrepresentation of what actually transpired between the soldier and his colleagues.
“The soldier has rejoined his unit and further investigations are currently ongoing to unravel the reasons behind his unprofessional conduct.”
