The Nigerian Army has denied invading any community in Abia State and in the entire south-eastern part of the country.

“The rumour is baseless and mischievous and should therefore be disregarded,” Colonel Sagir Musa, Deputy Director Public Relations 82 Division Nigerian Army, said in a statement issued on Friday in Enugu.

According to him, “Mischief makers, propagandists and supporters of violent secessionist agitation as well as any other person or group with criminal disposition are the ones that are wickedly peddling this rumour.

“Soldiers in Aba are lawfully deployed, with clear mandate, Rules of Engagement and Code of Conduct to combat identified obvious security challenges in the South East Nigeria.

“Thus, issues of kidnappings, cultism, farmers -herdsmen clashes, violent secessionist agitation and insurgency of any form among other menaces have been made severally and soundly clear as the focus and target of Exercise EGWU EKE 11.

“The earlier we appreciate this and work together, the better for the peace and security of our society.”