The Nigerian Army has reacted to a trending video clip circulating on social media showing its troops indiscriminately opening live rounds on residential areas.
The twenty-three seconds video clip, said to be an aftermath of a midnight raid, showed troops shooting unprovoked. One of the soldiers escaped being shot in the head by his trigger happy colleague.
Speaking on the viral clip, army spokesman of the 82 Division, Major Abubakar Abdullahi, said the viral clip was a propaganda by the Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB) aimed at whipping up sentiment and incite the public against the Army.
“It should be noted that, contrary to IPOB/ESN propaganda video, there was no incident of indiscriminate firing or unprovoked burning of houses during the raid,” Mr Abdullahi explained in a statement.
He further explained that troops, instead, embarked on a midnight raid in Mgbowo, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State on November 1, 2021, that led to the capture of two ring leaders of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) the paramilitary arm of IPOB.
“The suspects are currently undergoing interrogation with a security agency,” he said. “It should be noted that, contrary to IPOB/ESN propaganda video, there was no incident of indiscriminate firing or unprovoked burning of houses during the raid. The joint operation in Agwu was conducted in the night and there was no destruction of any private property involved.
“The trending videos in circulation claiming to represent the aftermath of the night operation is not portraying the Agwu operation. It is meant to whip up sentiment and incite the public against the Army.
“Meanwhile, Investigation into the video is ongoing to ascertain when and where it was shot and those involved. Any personnel found culpable would be sanctioned accordingly. Updates will be communicated when investigation is completed.
“Members of the public are advised to disregard such propaganda materials intended to mislead the public. We shall continue to support other security agencies in line with our constitutional mandate in a professional manner. Any act of unprofessional conduct among our troops will not be tolerated.”
