The Nigerian Army has ordered an immediate investigation of allegations of extortion made against soldiers stationed in Borno state.
The men are accused of extorting money from motorists and drivers along the Gamboru Ngala road in war-ravaged Borno state.
The truck drivers claim they are made to art with as much as N300,000 each so they can be afforded protection by the soldiers.
The directive was given on Sunday by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant-General TY Buratai and contained in a statement on the Facebook page of the army, HQ Nigerian Army.
He said such behaviour is not going to be condoned and has no place in the Nigerian Army. The Nigerian Army, he added, is defined by selflessness, dedication to duty, operating within the confines of laws, Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement.
The statement reads below:
“The Nigerian Army has noted with great concern about an allegation of complacency and extortion against soldiers by someone with twitter handle called “Danborno” on Social Media, in which he alleged long queues of trucks along Maiduguri-Gamboru Ngala road, Borno State.
He also alleged that each truck owner pays the sum of N300,000.00k to soldiers for escorting them. Consequent upon this, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General TY Buratai has ordered for immediate investigation over these allegations.
The Nigerian Army as a professional military institution thrives on discipline, selflessness and dedication to duty and operates within the confines of the laws, Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement.
It would not tolerate any act of misdemeanour by any of its personnel. Similarly, we encourage members of the public to take advantage of our toll-free telephone number 193 to report any observed lapses or allegation against any officer or soldier.
We would like to also call on the members of the public especially affected individuals in Borno State to cooperate and volunteer information to the investigation team.”
