The Nigerian Army on Monday evening expressed “great concern” over “growing allegations of misconduct against some persons on security duties at Internally Displaced Persons’ camps in Bama, Borno State.” It disclosed that the allegations would be probed and those found guilty dealt with.

Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman, said in a statement: “We would like to state that Nigerian Army personnel have been doing their best in bringing peace and security in various parts of the country especially in the north east, any act of misconduct could negatively impact on these good works.

“Although these allegations are unsubstantiated, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai, has today directed that the matter be thoroughly investigated by both the Director Military Intelligence and Provost Marshal (Army).

“We would like to reiterate that the Nigerian Army has zero tolerance for any misconduct among its officers and soldiers especially those that are trusted with onerous responsibility of guarding and securing those Internally Displaced Persons’ Camps. Anyone found culpable, would be severely dealt with.

“We would like to enjoin the public to please take advantage of the newly established Nigerian Army Information and Call Centre to report any such issue and other security concern by calling the short code 193 using any of the telecommunication service providers in Nigeria or through email at na.callcentre@army.mil.ng.”

General Usman in another statement condemned the “activities of a group of some unscrupulous elements that duped gullible members of the public especially ex-servicemen.”

He said: “According to reports, the group has been collecting the sum of N80,000 from legionnaires across the country with a view to bringing them back into its service.

“While efforts are ongoing to track and apprehend them, the Nigerian Army wishes to disassociate itself with such criminals and their activities and advise the public to be wary of them and report same to any of the security agencies. Above all, the laws, terms and conditions for enlistment into the Army are very clear; it is free. One does not need to pay anyone a dime or give any gratification to be recruited.

“The public is please requested to take advantage of the newly established Nigerian Army Information and Call Centre to report any such issue and other security concern by calling the short code 193 using any of the telecommunication service providers in Nigeria or through email at na.callcentre@army.mil.ng.”