We do not deploy troops along ethnic or religious lines - Nigerian Army replies Sheik Gumi

LATEST UPDATE: We do not deploy troops along ethnic or religious lines - Nigerian Army replies Sheik Gumi

The Nigerian has dismissed claims made by Islamic cleric, Sheik Gumi, that it deploys troops to fight insecurity based on ethnic and religious lines. In a video that went viral in February, the renowned and respected Islamic scholar was seen alleging that non-Muslim soldiers were  responsible for the attacks against bandits. The Islamic scholar was seen telling the bandits that the soldiers involved in most attacks against them were non-Muslims. He further stated that they should be aware that soldiers are divided into Muslims and non- Muslims. In a statement released by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Mohammed Yerima, the Nigerian Army said while it would not want to join issues with the respected Sheik Ahmed Gumi, it is however important to restate that the Nigerian Army as a national institution does not deploy its troops along ethnic or religious lines. ''Therefore Sheikh  Ahmed Gumi and other opinion merchants are please enjoined to exercise restraint not to drag the image and reputation of one of the most reliable national institutions to disrepute. The Nigerian Army  remains the pride of the nation and has  continually defended the territorial integrity of this great nation. Comments suggesting to mudslide the image and reputation of the Nigerian Army are not only inimical but tended towards creating bad blood amongst Nigerians.  Furthermore, most operations conducted by the Nigerian Army were done in strict adherence to rules of engagement, code of conduct and respect for the fundamental human rights of the citizenry without any exception. It is therefore, disturbing that an  opinion leader  would deliberately want to disparage the Nigeria Army to portray it  in bad light.  The  Nigerian Army wishes to seize this opportunity  to advise opinion leaders to be more courteous while  expressing their views , taking into cognisance the imperative for national security, particularly at this difficult times when our gallant troops have redoubled their  efforts to tackle the myriads of security challenges facing our dear  nation. What our troops need now is  public support to discharge their responsibility effectively and in the most professional manner. '' the statement readThe post We do not deploy troops along ethnic or religious lines - Nigerian Army replies Sheik Gumi appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.

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