The 1 Division Nigerian Army has refuted media reports alleging the arrest and killing of 11 Fulanis in a Kaduna forest. Urging the public to dismiss these accusations, the Army reiterated its commitment to the rule of law and respect for citizens’ rights.
Lt.-Col. Musa Yahaya, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, clarified that while responding to a kidnapping incident, the division neutralised three suspects.
He noted that during a subsequent operation in the targeted village, no incriminating evidence was found, dispelling claims of extrajudicial killings and theft. The Army denounced these reports as a smear campaign aiming to undermine its efforts against insurgency and terrorism in the region. Public cooperation with security agencies to combat criminal activities was encouraged.
“Headquarters 1 Division has received a report circulating online, published by a [newspaper name], alleging that troops arrested and killed 11 Fulani, raided houses, and took money and dried ginger,” Yahaya stated.
“This Division unequivocally affirms that the Nigerian Army is a professional force committed to the rule of law and utmost respect for the fundamental human rights of all citizens. Therefore, involvement in extrajudicial killings and stealing citizens’ valuables, as alleged, is entirely against our principles.”
Yahaya stressed that the Nigerian Army, representing all parts of the country, can never be used for unethical purposes.
“Furthermore, on December 21, 2023, troops responded to a kidnapping incident near the crossing general area of Kachia Local Government,” he elaborated.
Yahaya explained that the kidnappers had stabbed a young man, stealing his motorcycle and N15,000. He added that upon arrival, troops pursued the kidnappers, neutralising three. One escaped with a gunshot wound but was later apprehended by troops on his way to the hospital.
“It’s crucial to mention that December 30, 2023, marked the first time troops conducted a military operation in Tilden Fulani, where one suspect was arrested on suspicion of involvement in insurgent activities,” Yahaya clarified.
He elaborated that during interrogation, the suspect admitted to being an insurgent and provided details of his involvement, including kidnapping operations and highway robberies. He also revealed the names of five community members possessing automatic weapons, including his brother.
“This information necessitated another raid on the village,” the spokesperson explained.
Yahaya disclosed that upon arrival, the troops found that the five suspects had fled with their families.
“Their houses were thoroughly searched, but nothing incriminating was found, nor did the troops take anything,” Yahaya affirmed.
Further intelligence revealed the village’s alleged complicity in terrorist activities, with most criminals fleeing with their families for fear of being eliminated by the local militia group.
“Therefore, it’s crucial to categorically state that troops of the Division have never killed or executed any Fulani herder or innocent citizen, nor collected their money, motorcycles, or ginger,” Yahaya declared.
“This is clearly a smear campaign intended to sabotage the Division’s efforts to clear our Area of Responsibility (AOR) of insurgency and terrorism.”
Yahaya said that the area where the alleged corpses were discovered has never been visited by the division’s troops.
He urged the public to disregard the malicious accusations against the division and continue cooperating with them and other security agencies to “rid our AOR of terrorism, insurgency, and other forms of criminality.”
“We appreciate the continued support and understanding of the good people of Kaduna State and encourage them to go about their lawful and legitimate businesses.”
(NAN)