The Nigerian Army has denied report in a national daily that its soldiers protested over food and water shortage during operation at Alagarno forest.The army spokesperson Col. Sani Usman said in a statement that the army acknowledged that troops that captured Alagarno forest experienced some logistics problem, which included water shortage, it is untrue that “Angry soldiers Block, Release GOC Over Food, Water Shortage”, as reported by the newspaper.
He said: “Indeed troops that captured the strategic forest of Alagarno, experienced some logistics problem that include water shortage, due to some unforeseen circumstances which is normal in war situation, it is not true that the troops behaved in the manner stated.
“If Alagarno is truly inaccessible, how did the gallant troops rout out the Boko Haram terrorists in the forest? The concoction of this story and the release of yet another video by some remnants of Boko Haram terrorists could be more than mere coincidence. Therefore, one begin to wonder what is the motive behind such false story by the reporter.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC), 7 Division, Brigadier General VO Ezugwu indeed visited the troops and also supplied water to them. The GOC did not leave the troops as insinuated. Rather, the troops hailed the GOC for his passion and empathic disposition towards the soldiers.
As a matter of fact, he actively participated in clearance operations along Bulablin – Alargano axis with the troops and was with them in their defensive location throughout.
“Consequently, the Nigerian Army wishes to request the retraction of this story by the paper and also enjoin reporters to always cross check their facts before filing their stories. They should also understand that misinformation by Boko Haram terrorists and their sympathisers greatly assist their evil activities.”
He urged Nigerians to disregard the story and continue to support the army in the fight to end terrorism and insurgency in the country.