The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), on Thursday, warned the general public against spreading falsehood on the security challenges in Mangu Area of Plateau. The Director, Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau handed down the warning a reaction to a viral video made by the Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Mangu Chapter, Reverend Timothy Daluk accusing the military of being complacent or biased in handling the crisis that erupted on 23 January 2024 in Magu general area in Plateau State.
While cautioning that henceforth anyone found culpable would not be speared from such malicious activities General Tukur described the video as ” baseless, malicious, fake and misleading with the sole intent to malign the military.”
According to the statement, “The attention of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has been drawn to a malicious video made by the Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Mangu Chapter, Reverend Timothy Daluk.
“The video has been circulating in the media, aiming to malign military personnel deployed to address the security challenges in the Mangu general area.
“The video made baseless and untrue accusations, claiming that the military is biased and supports a particular group against others. We categorically state that these accusations hold no truth, are malicious, and lack any reasonable foundation”.
He explained that upon the breach of security on 23 January 2024 in the Mangu municipal area, the Plateau State Government declared a 24-hour curfew, and troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN were reinforced to enforce the curfew and bring normalcy in the area to prevent its spread.
He stated that troops displayed a high level of professionalism and rules of engagement during operations in the area.
He pointed out that the operation had led to the arrest of criminals involved in the looting and burning of properties, as well as recovered weapons, and regretted why a religious leader had resorted to spreading falsehood.
He lamented, “It is deeply disturbing that a religious leader, who is expected to demonstrate high levels of moral judgement and truthfulness, has resorted to spreading falsehoods about the military and its personnel.”
He however reassured the commitment of the military to remain neutral, focused, and professional in the discharge of its constitutional role of protecting the lives and property of law-abiding citizens.
“We will deal with anybody found disobeying the law, without bias or prejudice. We therefore call upon the public to support the ongoing military operations aimed at decimating non-state actors operating in these troubled areas of the State.
“We will not be distracted by baseless accusations and remain steadfast in our commitment to restoring peace and security”.