The Nigerian military has raised the alarm over what it described as efforts unpatriotic politicians to tempt soldiers to rebel against constituted authorities. The alarm was contained in a statement issued yesterday by the Joint Security Information Committee after its meeting in the country’s capital, Abuja.

According to the statement, the politicians “make frivolous and unfounded claims and allegations on the welfare of soldiers under the pretext of being more caring for the welfare and condition of Nigerian soldiers but their intention is to encourage indiscipline and ultimately mutiny.

“This group of Nigerians have taken up every available media platform to disparage efforts of the leadership of Nigerian Armed Forces in the fight against terror. Indeed, the tendency is propelled by nothing altruistic other than to curry undue political capital out of the unfortunate crisis in the North East.

“They have not only accused the military and security authorities of denying the soldiers and other security personnel of their entitlements, they have been spreading the sick rumour that the gallant Nigerian soldiers are grumbling over inadequate resources and lack of motivation to take on the insurgents. These unfounded allegations and outright rumour mongering are, to say the least, callous, mischievous and inimical to the well-being of our national security.”

The statement did not only dismiss the “false claims” but also reassured Nigerians that the military and security agencies remain committed towards defending and protecting the country from any form of insecurity or aggression.

Along this line, the statement pointed out that “simultaneous operations are ongoing nation-wide to address every form of insecurity such as insurgency, oil theft, kidnapping, vandalism, communal clashes, cattle rustling, trafficking in arms and persons, etc.”

The Joint Security Information Committee appealed to the media to help sustain and consolidate on the achievements recorded in the prosecution of war against terror and other forms of insecurity, condemning what it called “an ugly trend of sensationalism that tends to threaten the relationship between the media, the military, and security agencies.”

•Photo shows Nigerian soldiers on duty.

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