By Nkechi Eze
The Nigerian Army has strongly refuted recent allegations that its personnel were involved in the burning of homes, looting of property, and harassment of civilians in Umualumaku, Ehime-Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State. The military described the claims as baseless, misleading, and an orchestrated effort to malign the reputation of the troops deployed in the area.
In a statement signed by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, the Nigerian Army emphasized that none of its personnel under the 82 Division’s command was involved in any such misconduct. The statement described the report as a “calculated attempt to sabotage the Division’s operational efforts” in the region.
“The populace is kindly advised to note that no soldier under the Command was involved in such misconduct,” the statement read. “Our troops operate under strict adherence to the code of conduct in military operations and the rules of engagement, thereby ensuring best practices in every deployment.”
The Army spokesperson attributed the allegations to criminal elements attempting to discredit the Nigerian Army’s security interventions in the region. “The allegation appears to be the handiwork of criminal actors who, in their usual style, orchestrate such malicious reports to smear the image of the Division and undermine its efforts to ensure a safe and secure environment,” Lt. Col. Ayeni noted.
He further stated that the ultimate goal of such disinformation campaigns is to create public distrust and erode the confidence that the Division has worked hard to build among local communities. The 82 Division, he said, remains a disciplined and professional military formation, committed to upholding the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the protection of law-abiding citizens.
Reaffirming its commitment to accountability and civil-military cooperation, the Division pledged to continue working closely with other security agencies, community leaders, and civil society organizations to identify and bring to justice those responsible for any acts of violence or criminality in the area.
The statement also urged media outlets and the general public to exercise caution by relying on verified information rather than speculative or deliberately distorted reports. “Misinformation and disinformation are tools commonly deployed by criminal elements to undermine peace-building efforts,” Lt. Col. Ayeni warned.
As part of its ongoing mandate, the 82 Division assured residents of Imo State and the surrounding regions of its unrelenting resolve to maintain peace and protect communities from threats posed by criminal groups.
