Military reacts to report of Soldiers allegedly apprehended by Sunday Igboho

The Nigerian Military has denied claims by Yoruba activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo popularly called Sunday Igboho that he apprehended some soldiers sent to spy on him.

The Defence Headquarters in a statement issued by the Acting Director, Defence Media Operations, Brigadier-General B.E Onyeuko in which it reacted to the viral video claiming some spies sent by the military were captured by the men of the freedom fighter denied any link with some of those arrested.

The statement also added that the Armed Forces of Nigeria has a constitutional responsibility to protect the territorial integrity of the nation and won’t abandon its responsibilities to start spying on a single person.

The Military further noted that one of the men dressed in military uniform as soldiers in the viral video has been identified to be a serial impersonator.

It noted that the Defence Headquarters has no interest dragging or joining issues with Sunday Adeyemo or his associates, it is pertinent to clear the air and address these allegations squarely.

“For the records, it should be noted that the Armed Forces of Nigeria, are highly professional in the discharge of their duties, with well-defined roles, responsibilities and duties in its mandate of securing the territorial integrity of the Nigerian Nation. As such, the Military cannot stoop so low to such extent to “spy” on one individual, as wildly and loosely alleged.”

“Secondly, the Armed Forces of Nigeria is a highly disciplined and professional organization with extant laws and regulations which guide the actions of its personnel in the conduct of their duties. As such, it is practically impossible for military personnel on official duty to conduct themselves in such manner as alleged by Adeyemo and his cohorts.”

“For the avoidance of doubt, preliminary investigation has so far revealed that one of the alleged “soldiers” is a serial impersonator. Meanwhile, credible eyewitnesses and sources have also revealed that some associates of Igboho went in pursuit of some individuals when the motorbike conveying the impersonator and one Nigerian Air Force personnel ran into them. The duo were immediately apprehended and taken to the said “IGBOHO House” at Soka before Ibadan toll gate where they were branded as spies. Furthermore, investigations are currently underway by Nigerian Airforce and the Nigerian Army to unravel the actual circumstances which played out on the day.”

“The Defence Headquarters hereby warns individuals and groups to desist from disparaging the enviable reputation of the Nigerian Military by dragging it into its petty issues to gain political mileage. Such actions will not be condoned in the future.”