The Nigerian Army has condemned a recent corruption report that alleged irregularities in the process of selecting troops for peacekeeping operations. The report was published by an online news platform on May 14th, under the headline “Military Officers Raise Alarm Over Corruption, Ethnic and Religious Bigots in Nigerian Army, Warn Of Dangers”.
In its response, the Army described the report as a “systematic smear campaign”, which seeks to “incite troops” and destabilize the country. Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, further dismissed the allegations made in the report as “mischievous” and “baseless” in a statement issued on May 16th.
Nwachukwu emphasized that the Nigerian Army had received commendations for its professional conduct in peace support operations, and that the allegations made in the report were intended to tarnish the reputation of the organization. He further noted that the process of deployment, including the selection for participation in peacekeeping operations, was a routine exercise aimed at ensuring the Army’s effective management.
The Army spokesman also highlighted the welfare programs and various reforms introduced by the current Army leadership. Nwachukwu emphasized the commitment of the military to its constitutional role in defending the nation against terrorism, banditry, and other violent crimes.
Notably, he urged all personnel to remain committed to their duties and resist the efforts of “unpatriotic elements” seeking to create divisions within the Army or destabilize the nation through their actions.
The Nigerian Army has been at the forefront of the government’s fight against terrorism and other violent crimes in the country. Over the years, the military has been praised for its contributions in peacekeeping missions, including those undertaken in other parts of West Africa.
