NIGERIAN ARMY HAS NEVER ENLISTED REPENTANT TERRORISTS-SPOKESMAN

By Olayiwola Ibrahim // The Nigerian Army says it has at no point in time, either in the past or present enlisted repentant Boko Haram members to its strength.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, said this on Sunday, in reaction to the reported murder of a woman by a soldier on April 11, in Enugu Barracks.

An online medium had on Saturday reported with a caption, Repented Boko Haram Member Enlisted into Nigerian Army slits Woman’s throat in Enugu Barracks, Hides Corpse.

Nwachukwu said that while it was highly regrettable that a young lady lost her life in the hands of a man with whom she was in an amorous relationship, it was wrong to claim that the dastardly act was committed by a repentant Boko Haram recruited into the army.

He said that, in recruitment, considerations were given to Civilian Joint Task Force CJTF who in the fight against terrorism and insurgency in the North East distinguished themselves morally and patriotically but not repentant terrorists.

According to him, such members of the CJTF must have also shown commitment, dedication and loyalty to the service and the nation.

Nwachukwu said the sad incident of the gruesome murder of Miss Hauwakulu Tabra by Private Adamu Muhammad occurred on the night of Thursday , April 11, adding that her corpse was discovered within the barracks on Friday, April 12.

He added that preliminary investigations had revealed that the late Hauwakulu Tabra was actually murdered by the said soldier, who is presently in detention for further investigation to unravel the motive behind his actions.

The Nigerian army extends its heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased Miss Hauwakulu Tabra and also emphatically assert that at no time has the NA enlisted repentant Boko Haram members into its fold as mischievously insinuated.

Speaking furtherly, Nigerian Army urged general public should be rest assured that justice will be served, as the NA will not condone any unprofessional conduct or indiscipline within its ranks, he said.