The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has strongly cautioned the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Mangu Chapter, over his comments on troops’ disposition in the recent Plateau State crisis.
The Acting Director of Defence Information, Brig-Gen Tukur Gusau, who gave the warning in a press statement on Thursday, said it was “deeply disturbing that a religious leader, who is expected to demonstrate high levels of moral judgement and truthfulness, has resorted to spreading falsehoods about the military and its personnel.
TheFact Daily reports that in a video that had gone viral on social media, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Mangu Chapter, Rev. Timothy Daluk, commenting on the crisis, accused the military of bias and supporting a particular group against others.
Gusau posited that the video aims to malign military personnel deployed to address the security challenges in the Mangu general area by making “baseless and untrue accusations, claiming that the military is biased and supports a particular group against others”.
It will be recalled that a breach of security occurred in the Mangu municipal area on Tuesday, January 23, 2024, resulting in the Government of Plateau State declaring a 24-hour curfew.
Following this, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN were reinforced in Mangu to enforce the curfew and bring the situation under control, thereby preventing its spread to other areas.
Gusau averred that troops carried out their duties professionally and in accordance with the rules of engagement, adding that they have successfully arrested criminals involved in looting and burning properties, and have recovered weapons as well.
While reiterating that the Army will not be distracted by “baseless accusations” and remains steadfast in its commitment to restoring peace and security, Gusau called on the general public to support the ongoing military operations aimed at decimating non-state actors operating in the troubled areas of the State.
“We strongly caution individuals involved in making malicious comments against the military to cease such acts. Henceforth, any person found spreading falsehoods will face constitutional redress, regardless of their status in society”, he said.
