COAS, Tukur Buratai

The Nigerian Army has refuted reports insinuating/alleging that military build up around Gelegele Community in Ovia North East Local Government Area of Edo State was intended to ignite crisis.

This was contained in a statement by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Col. Sagir Musa on Friday.

According to the statement, “the attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to a malicious story making round in an online publication. While the Nigerian Army represented by 4 Brigade in the area is not willing to join issues with the author. It is however essential to state that as professional Army, it would not be involved in any form of land dispute or conflict with law abiding members of GeleGele Community or any other community in Nigeria”.

“For clarity, the troops deployed to GeleGele Community have been there since 2011 for the protection of critical infrastructure and to effectively checkmate militancy in the area”.

Sagir stated frurther that the troops in the area are not under the operational command and control of 4 Brigade as claimed, but are under the command of Operation DELTA SAFE.

“Consequently, the allegation that the Brigade Commander is involved in the deployment of troops or invasion of Gelegele locality is false and should be disregarded by the public and members of the community”, noting that the Nigerian Army under the leadership of Lt Gen TY Buratai will not condone harassment of law abiding individuals or groups, talk more of grabbing land belonging to any community anywhere in Nigeria.

“The Brigade is however mandated to remain firm, fair and not to be deterred from decisively fighting criminal elements in the State. The Brigade will also continue to live peacefully with all law abiding communities in its Area of Responsibility”.

He however enjoined members of the public to continue to cooperate with security agencies by giving credible information on criminal elements and activities in their midst for necessary action.