The Nigerian Army has said that the action of a soldier in a viral video alleging that his colleagues abandoned him during an encounter with terrorists amounts to a betrayal of the esprit de corps.
The soldier’s conduct is also misleading and diversionary, according to the Army, adding: “Preliminary investigations have revealed that the video footage was a deliberate attempt to shield himself from being accused of cowardice, having abandoned his colleagues during an ongoing clearance operation in Gurara, Niger State”.
Sharing a video of himself visibly shaken, M. Musa says “I’ve suffered a lot.”
“I’m ‘trying to save my life. I’m the only one in the bush. The remaining soldiers have run and left me. God help me. God protect my life,” he added.
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But reacting to the development, Director Army Public Relations (DAPR), Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, said in a statement that “the soldier surreptitiously uploaded the video online in a calculated attempt to whip up public sentiment and cover up his act of cowardice”.
He said further: “The video footage is thus, in all intent, and purpose a misrepresentation of what actually transpired between the soldier and his colleagues.”
Disclosing that the soldier has rejoined his unit, Nwachukwu stressed that further investigations are currently ongoing to unravel the reasons behind his unprofessional conduct.
The Nigerian Army spokesman stated that the conduct of the soldier negated comradery, which is synonymous with a military unit and fighting formation, particularly during operations.
“The soldier’s conduct is, therefore, an aberration and against the ethics and core values of the military profession.”
Dismissing the video, Nwachukwu said the soldier must have sensed the gravity of his action and its consequences, adding: “Contrary to the claims and impression created by the soldier in the video footage”, preliminary findings showed that it was the soldier that abandoned his colleagues.
Said the Director, Army Public Relations: “It could be recalled that troops of the NA, recently carried out a clearance operation in Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State. “Disappointingly, during an encounter, the said soldier abandoned his colleagues and absconded in an outright display of cowardice and possible sabotage, which negate the precepts of the military profession.”
