Military Faults CNN Report, Restates Commitment To Fight Against Terror

THE Nigerian Military high command has described a report by Cable News International as another in the series of orchestrated campaign of smear and blackmail against its image and character by some entrenched interests.

  In a statement by the Director Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade, the military said “Nigerian Armed Forces are without doubt committed and focused on the ongoing fight against terror and is ensuring that both weapons and welfare are incrementally provided to the fighting force.”

  President Goodluck Jonathan had on Thursday made a surprise visit to Maiduguri where he gave assurance to officers and men of the military that government would procure better arms and ammunitions for them to successfully prosecute the war against terror.

  Olukolade stressed: “The Nigerian military reject in absolute terms the report that has been repeatedly aired on CNN which presented footages of interviews with individuals claiming to be Nigerian soldiers. This said report is certainly another orchestrated smear campaign targeted at the image and character of the Nigerian Armed Forces by some entrenched interests. This CNN interview and report is an unfortunate effort to promote blackmail. It smacks of an international conspiracy against Nigeria’s national security.

  “A reputable medium is not expected to indulge in propagating concocted stories from persons or individuals whose identity remains questionable. Unfortunately, the report has been so zealously repeated with a view to enhancing its effect in terms of mischief.  However, even if the blackmailers turned out to be Nigerian soldiers, the scenario only bespeak of the extent to which those who seek to bring the Nigerian military into disrepute can go in their desperation.”

  He added: “Without making any attempt to dignify an absolute mendacity, the Defence Headquarters restates that the Federal Government and the leadership of the Nigerian Armed Forces are without doubt committed and focused on the ongoing fight against terror and is ensuring that both weapons and welfare are incrementally provided to the fighting force.

  “Our soldiers know this and they are gallantly working round the clock to reverse the unfortunate gains of terrorists and improve the security situation in the affected areas. The orchestrated blackmail and propaganda against the leadership of the Nigerian military will certainly not stop us from stamping out terrorism in our country.”