The Nigerian Army has declared war on soldiers who sabotage its operations by giving out information to enemies such as terrorists and militants.

Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, disclosed this yesterday, saying: “Let me at this point warn against giving out vital information both at Army headquarters and formations level which put at risk, our operations or that of our troops. The consequences will be applied to the letter. A Soldier who gave out information that led to the killing of troops going to Mali has been arrested and will soon face court martial.”

According to the Army Chief while speaking at the 2013 Nigerian Army transformation seminar in the Nigerian capital, Abuja: “Some soldiers give out information through internet and online services that compromise the fight against insurgents and compromise our operations. I have directed the Directorate of Military intelligence and the Military Police to search for these officers, who should get appropriate punishment.”

The incident which Gen. Ihejirika referred to happened last January 19 when information leaked to terrorists about the movement of troops to Mali for AFISMA operations, thereby leading to the ambush and killing of two soldiers along the Okene-Lokoja road in North-Central Nigeria.

The COAS commended Nigerian troops currently on operations in Nigeria and Mali, assuring that the army still has enough to take care of any eventually that may arise.

He thanked President Goodluck Jonathan for supporting the Army, disclosing that the Army will, this week, take delivery of 10,000 bullet proof vests and 10,000 bullet proof helmets for use of troops deployed in several operations.

Photo shows Gen. Ihejirika.