Vehicle recovered from the scene

The Nigerian Army has confirmed list of items discovered in the abandoned mining pit where search and rescue is ongoing for the missing Army Chief of Administration, Major General Idris Alkali dispelling rumours of items purportedly said to have been recovered by some online news medium.

In a statement issued by the Deputy Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Kayode Ogunsanya on Friday, it read; “The attention of Headquarters 3 Division Nigerian Army has been drawn to news making the rounds on the various social media platforms in respect of the missing immediate past Chief of Administration (Army), Major General Idris M Alkali (retired).  In the social media, it was reported that eleven (11) cars and two (2) corpses had been recovered. This is false and misleading”.

“This Headquarters wishes to appreciate members of the public for the interest they have shown in finding the above named missing retired senior officer.  I wish to state unequivocally that since the commencement of the search and rescue operation as directed by Army Headquarters the following have been discovered in the abandoned mining pit filled with water”.

On 29th September, 2018 a black Toyota Corolla car with the registration number KWARA MUN 670 AA, a customized white T-Shirt with Nigerian Army logo and the general’s name inscribed on it as well as a pair of canvass shoe belonging to the retired missing senior officer.

On 2nd October, 2018 a white Toyota Hiace bus with registration number PLATEAU RYM 307 XA which was reported missing with the driver on 24th June, 2018 and a red Rover car with registration number BAUCHI AG 645 TRR which was also allegedly reported to have been buried along with the occupants on 31st January, 2013.

“However, a cordon and search operation is ongoing in the general area of Dura – Du District in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State. The aim of the operation is to find the retired missing senior officer either dead or alive. This will enable his family to re-unite with him if found alive or for the family and Nigerian Army to give him a befitting military burial if he is dead.  Meanwhile, some people have been arrested for further interrogation”.

The army however called on the general public to disregard news being circulated on the social media to misinform the public about the ongoing search and rescue operations at it was the handiwork of the fifth columnists while urging the entire people of Plateau State and “most importantly the people of Dura – Du District to come forward and give credible information about the where about of the missing retired senior officer”.