We stopped Zakzacky’s convoy to ascertain identity – Army
The Nigerian Army has cleared the air on soldiers’ purported confrontation with the convoy of an Islamic Cleric, Sheikh Zakzacky, along the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway, on Sunday.
A statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, said soldiers manning a military checkpoint along the road, were forced to pursue the convoy of six cars, after they refused to stop for proper identification.
It, however, said after catching up with the convoy and ascertaining the identities of the occupants, they were allowed to proceed to their destination.
“The attention of Nigerian Army has been drawn to a press statement issued by one Ibrahim Usman of Media Forum of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, purportedly on behalf of the Shiite Islamic group today.
“One could have dismissed the unfounded allegations levelled against the Nigerian Army in that release, but for the fact that they were baseless, unfounded and capable of misleading the public.
“It became imperative to set the record straight. For the avoidance of doubt, today at about 10.00am along Abuja-Kaduna road, soldiers sighted a convoy of six cars passing through a military checkpoint and when asked to stop, they vehemently refused.
“Their refusal made the unit concerned to activate various patrols into action with a view to establishing their identity, destination and motive.
“Consequently, they were pursued by activated patrols because they refused to heed to directive to stop and be searched at the check point manned by own troops at a checkpoint between Jere and Bwari.
“When they finally met up with them, the troops behaved politely, professionally and maturely despite obvious taunting and provocation otherwise they would have opened fire at them.
“It is instructive to note that they refused to heed to all entreaties. When they were finally stopped, their language and conduct was far from civil and yet the soldiers conscious of their duties and responsibilities maintained dignified silence and having ascertained their identity, they were allowed to proceed to their intended destination. No one was intimidated or molested.
“I would like to appeal to all well meaning Nigerians that they should be conscious of the security situation in the country and cooperate fully with security agencies in event of this nature. Nobody is above the law. Contrary to the usual insunuation, by them, the Nigerian Army wishes all Nigerians well and would continue to sacrifice their lives for the defence of this great nation,” the statement reads.
A statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, said soldiers manning a military checkpoint along the road, were forced to pursue the convoy of six cars, after they refused to stop for proper identification.
It, however, said after catching up with the convoy and ascertaining the identities of the occupants, they were allowed to proceed to their destination.
“The attention of Nigerian Army has been drawn to a press statement issued by one Ibrahim Usman of Media Forum of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, purportedly on behalf of the Shiite Islamic group today.
“One could have dismissed the unfounded allegations levelled against the Nigerian Army in that release, but for the fact that they were baseless, unfounded and capable of misleading the public.
“It became imperative to set the record straight. For the avoidance of doubt, today at about 10.00am along Abuja-Kaduna road, soldiers sighted a convoy of six cars passing through a military checkpoint and when asked to stop, they vehemently refused.
“Their refusal made the unit concerned to activate various patrols into action with a view to establishing their identity, destination and motive.
“Consequently, they were pursued by activated patrols because they refused to heed to directive to stop and be searched at the check point manned by own troops at a checkpoint between Jere and Bwari.
“When they finally met up with them, the troops behaved politely, professionally and maturely despite obvious taunting and provocation otherwise they would have opened fire at them.
“It is instructive to note that they refused to heed to all entreaties. When they were finally stopped, their language and conduct was far from civil and yet the soldiers conscious of their duties and responsibilities maintained dignified silence and having ascertained their identity, they were allowed to proceed to their intended destination. No one was intimidated or molested.
“I would like to appeal to all well meaning Nigerians that they should be conscious of the security situation in the country and cooperate fully with security agencies in event of this nature. Nobody is above the law. Contrary to the usual insunuation, by them, the Nigerian Army wishes all Nigerians well and would continue to sacrifice their lives for the defence of this great nation,” the statement reads.
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