Extortion Allegation: Military blows hot; Says troops do not collect bribes at checkpoints in Borno

Major General John Enenche, Coordinator DMO

The Defence Headquarters has said it is not correct to accuse or tag gallant Nigerian Army personnel as extortionists at checkpoints in Borno State, insisting that all personnel of the Armed Forces are patriotic and focused on their call of duty.

The DHQ  made the disclosure while responding to Media reports quoting Borno State governor, Babagana Zulum disclosing that troops of Operation Lafiya Dole were extorting money at checkpoints in Borno.

This was contained in a statement last night signed by Major General John Enenche, Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, titled, “Re- Nigerian Army On Operation Lafiya Dole Collect Money At Checkpoints in Borno State.

It said, “The attention of the Nigerian Military has been drawn to the media/air accusation by the Executive Governor of Borno State, that Nigerian Army personnel deployed at checkpoints in Operation Lafiya Dole collects money from commuters.

“While the Nigerian Military is in no way joining issues with the Governor, it is necessary to clarify this generalized statement against the troops who without hesitation lay down their lives for all Nigerians.

“It is worthy of note that, the Armed Forces of Nigeria have internal mechanisms to checkmate and sanction appropriately its erring personnel.

“Additionally, reported cases from the public in this regard are investigated and given the desired attention.

“Thus, it will not be correct to rely on media or open-air accusation to tag our gallant Nigerian Army personnel as extortioners at checkpoints in Borno State.

“All personnel of the Armed Forces are patriotic and focused on their call of duty.

“The High Command of the Nigerian Military hereby re-states the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other Security Agencies to tackling and ending the insurgency and terrorism in the North East.”

Recall that the governor's allegations came on the heels of his stinging criticism of the Nigerian Military's seemingly lack of commitment to secure the Maiduguri-Damaturu highway.