BY LINUS CHIBUIKE
THE Nigerian Army has reportedly arrested a civilian JTF member, identified as Umar Muhammed, for allegedly disseminating fake information on the alleged killing of soldiers by terrorist group, Boko Haram, in Borno State.
The suspect, 29, had alleged that the terrorists, last Monday, attacked the soldiers during the maintenence of electricity facilities along the Maiduguri-Damaturu Road, and killed five soldiers in the attack.
He was also said to have reported that many other people were abducted from the area.
Muhammed, who was arrested at his residence by security operatives, was, however, said to have explained during interrogation that his phone was hacked to share the “fake” information.
He was said to have shared the fake report on February 8, 2021, during the Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru’s operational tour of troops’ locations.
The Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Col Ado Isa, had described the report as “fake and misleading”, warning the general public against sharing unverified reports and fictitious claims capable of undermining the counter-insurgency war.
He said, “Contrary to the rumours making the round, nobody was attacked on Monday, as the road was cleared for the maiden visitation of the COAS, who came to see the troops of Special Army Super Camp, Ngamdu.
“No repair work was been carried out on the TCN facility, as the workers were asked not to go, because our troops who were supposed to provide them with escort, were busy preparing for the COAS visit.”
“To this end, the Nigerian Army wishes to unequivocally state that the claims contained in the disjointed report on Nigerian Army troops are nothing but fake, malicious and frivolous,” the deputy director added.
