The Nigerian Army has dismissed an audio-visual recording circulating online that suggests the army is recruiting Islamic fundamentalists and jihadists. In a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, described the footage as misleading.
Nwachukwu clarified that the video falsely depicts an officer encouraging Muslim young men to join the military to protect and propagate Islam. He emphasized that the narrative in the footage does not reflect the true values and standards of the Nigerian Army.
“It is targeted at sparking palpable anxiety and fear, sowing discord and mistrust amongst our personnel, eroding public confidence in the integrity of the army,” Nwachukwu stated. He noted that the footage aims to incite fear particularly among Christian and non-Muslim communities, potentially leading to a religious crisis in the country.
The Nigerian Army, Nwachukwu assured, remains committed to professionalism and impartiality, free from ethnic and religious bigotry. “Our operational and administrative processes and actions are guided by the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and not ethnicity or religious sentiments,” he affirmed.
He urged the public to dismiss the misleading report, which stems from a misconception and lack of understanding about the Nigerian Army’s Standing Operating Procedures (SOP). Any deviation from the army’s SOP, Nwachukwu noted, is met with appropriate disciplinary action, regardless of the personnel’s religious affiliation.
“We call on all citizens to rise above these divisive tactics and stand united. The strength of Nigeria lies in her unity in diversity, and it is this unique national strength and trait that the army seeks to protect while carrying out its constitutional responsibilities. The Nigerian Army remains committed to serving and protecting all Nigerians, irrespective of religious or ethnic affiliations. Let us work together to maintain the peace and unity of our great nation,” he concluded.
