The Nigerian Army has dismissed a report (not by News Express) titled “Angry soldiers Block, Release GOC Over Food, Water Shortage”, which claimed that the troops that liberated Alagarno Forest in Bauchi State blocked the Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC), 7 Division, Brigadier General VO Ezugwu, for failing to adequately cater for their welfare.

According to Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, “While acknowledging that indeed troops that captured the strategic forest of Alagarno experienced some logistics problem that include water shortage, due to some unforeseen circumstances which is normal in war situation, it is not true that the troops behaved in the manner he stated. If Alagarno is truly inaccessible, how did the gallant troops rout out the Boko Haram terrorists in the forest? The concoction of this story and the release of yet another video by some remnants of Boko Haram terrorists could be more than mere coincidence. Therefore, one begins to wonder what is the motive behind such false story by the reporter.”

Continuing, Col. Usman said in a statement issued today in Abuja: “For the avoidance of doubt, the Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC), 7 Division, Brigadier General VO Ezugwu indeed visited the troops and also supplied water to them. The GOC did not leave the troops as insinuated. Rather, the troops hailed the GOC for his passion and empathic disposition towards the soldiers. As a matter of fact, he actively participated in clearance operations along Bulablin – Alargano axis with the troops and was with them in their defensive location throughout.

“Consequently, the Nigerian Army wishes to request the retraction of this story by the paper and also enjoin reporters to always cross check their facts before filing their stories. They should also understand that misinformation by Boko Haram terrorists and their sympathisers greatly assist their evil activities.

“The public is urged to disregard the story and continue to support the Nigerian Army in the fight to end terrorism and insurgency in our beloved country.”