In a twisted narrative, the Nigerian Army has denied a viral video of its operatives shooting sporadically and burning houses at Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State on November 1st, 2021, calling it propaganda.
A statement by its Acting Deputy Director Public Relations, Abubakar Abdullahi, on Tuesday revealed that the video is being investigated but stressed that the operation at Awgu was done at night and there was no destruction of property.
It further revealed that its troops of Joint Security Team raided a hideout of suspected Indigeneous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) and captured two ring leaders who are currently being interrogated.
Meanwhile, contrary to this narrative, operatives of the Nigerian Army were seen in the viral video shooting at any living thing and according to an eyewitness who maintained anonymity, the villagers ran into the bush for safety as they were no longer safe with the people who ought to protect them.
TROOPS RAID SUSPECTED IPOB/ESN HIDEOUT IN ENUGU STATE
Troops of Joint Security Team have raided a suspected Indigeneous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) hideout located in Mgbowo, Awgu Local Government Area on 1 November 2021. During the night operation, two ring leaders of IPOB/ ESN were arrested. The suspects are currently undergoing interrogation with a security agency.
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.
ABUBAKAR ABDULLAHI
Major
Acting Deputy Director Public Relations
82 Division Nigerian Army
2 November 2021
