The Nigerian Military has debunked reports of a second mutiny in Maimalari Barracks as reported by Sahara Reporters Friday morning, May 23, 2014.
In a statement released to the media today, and signed by Major General Chris Olukolade, Director of Defence Information, he said the story, which originated on Sahara Reporters and was widely reported by online media was concocted by Sahara Reporters to raise false alarm and create in impression of disquiet in the military.
Read the full press statement below:
The online report titled “Second Mutiny in Maimalari Barracks as Soldiers Manhandled Commander” is not true.
What the online outlet garnished and dubbed as ‘mutiny’ was just a presentation of complaints by representatives of personnel families who wanted the ban on motorcycles as a means of public transportation in the barracks reversed. Soldiers were not involved and there was no single shot fired by soldiers throughout the period as claimed in the report. That the ban was part of security measures put in place for the safety of the soldiers and their families. The Acting General Officer Commanding obliged their request and directed a suspension of the ban pending when the planned alternative transportation arrangement is put in place. He was not insulted or manhandled as reported.
The imputation of mutiny was concocted by the online medium ostensibly to raise false alarm and create the impression of disquiet in the military. It is very obvious that a section of the media is feasting on the current security challenges and is desperate to sustain the tempo of the crisis through sensational reportage. Mutiny is a very grievous breach that attracts severe sanctions in the military and should not be trivialized by those who do not understand its ramifications.
The general public is therefore requested to discountenance the rumours as no such incident took place. The mass media is again requested to beware of lifting stories on the military from online media as this has become the main channel of disseminating falsehood on happenings in the system.
In another development, cordon and search exercise has led to the discovery of Rocket Launcher production facility at Dorayi District in Kumbotso Local Government Area of Kano State. The discovery follows the arrest of a prominent member of the terrorists group. Locally made Anti-Aircraft Gun and Mortar accessories as well as Rocket Propelled Grenade tubes and Launcher along with accessories were recovered. Also seized were three AK47 rifles and hundreds of rounds of assorted ammunitions as well as drilling machines and other fabricating equipment.
The general public is once again reminded to report suspicious persons to security agencies in their localities to prevent unwholesome act by terrorists.
