The Nigerian Army authorities have denied subjecting Soldiers to harsh conditions in Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri, Borno State, and the alleged cutting of water and electricity supplies to the facility by the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, leading to soldiers buying N2,000 worth of water on daily basis.
The denial was contained in a statement issued by the deputy director, Army Public Relations, 7 Division, Maiduguri, Lt. Col. Ajemasu Jingina, which was obtained by LEADERSHIP on Thursday.
The statement read, “The attention of Headquarters 7 Division Operation HADIN KAI located in Maimalari Military Cantonment has been drawn to a false and malicious publication, making the rounds on social media published by Sahara Reporters dated 12 June 2024.
“The publication had alleged that soldiers in Maimalari Military Cantonment were subjected to acute suffering due to the unavailability of electricity, water, and other social amenities in the Cantonment. The Headquarters 7 Division wishes to state in clear terms that the report is false and mere insinuation.
“Presently, residents of Maimalari Military Cantonment are not facing challenges of water and electricity supply, as the Cantonment enjoys regular supply of electricity and water. Overtime, the Nigerian Army has made provision for boreholes that compliment the pipe-borne water equally supplied by the Cantonment Maintenance Group, the Engineering Unit responsible for maintenance of amenities in the Cantonment.
“The general public and our gallant troops are therefore advised to disregard the publication in its entirety as this publication is a campaign of calumny targeted at the leadership of Operations HADIN KAI to cause disaffection among our gallant troops who are giving their best towards the restoration of peace in the entire Theatre of operations.
“Troops of Operations HADIN KAI are therefore urged not to allow themselves to be distracted by this ill-intended report but to remain disciplined, steadfast, and loyal as they carry out their responsibilities. Once again, we urge our gallant troops and the public to discountenance the falsehood being peddled in that uncanny report.”