By Samuel Aruwan
The Nigerian military yesterday said that there was no officer that was collaborating with Boko Haram to undermine nation’s security.
It was reacting to insinuations in some quarters that some officers and soldiers were collaborating with the insurgents.
The military added that it was a mere campaign of calumny against the institution, saying that its personnel were resilient and making priceless sacrifices for the preservation of the country and deserved commendation.
The Commanding Officer, Tank Battalion, Yola, Adamawa state, Lt. Col. Aminu Garba, stated this at American Nigerian University in the ongoing International Peace Conference with the theme Peace Through Development.
Garba said: “Honestly, I have not come across any member of the armed forces that was arrested for collaborating with the insurgents. Even as far as Maiduguri is concerned, no single member of the military has been arrested for working for the insurgents. We have never encountered such and I don’t know if the director of the SSS has something to add.”
On his part, the Director of State Security Service in Adamawa state, Mr. Olugbenga Jayeoba, said: “On a general note, you need to understand that the Boko Haram members are Nigerians and they have relations here and there. It is very difficult for you to say that there are Boko Haram members in the arm; it can never be possible, it can never be allowed. Even in the SSS, there are all Nigerians from all ethnic groups. It is a problem, but we must work hard and contain it.
“They go to the Churches and Mosques, they go to the market. We must see this as a problem and come out fight this war. If you render any assistance you are all helping our country.”
The two security officers also denied that the military were violating fundamental rights of the citizens.
Garba said “we heard about all these complaints often, but the fact remains that it is not the truth.”