The Nigerian Army says recent claims of arson, looting,
and harassment in Umualumaku are unfounded and orchestrated to undermine
military credibility.
Zig Diaries Defence News
Date: Thursday, 31 July 2025
Time: 16:00 WAT
Location: 📍Enugu, Nigeria
The
denial follows widespread social media reports accusing soldiers of looting and
arson in Umualumaku, Ehime-Mbano LGA, Imo State.
The Nigerian Army’s 82 Division has denied widespread
allegations that its personnel were involved in looting, harassment, and the
burning of homes in Umualumaku, a community in Ehime-Mbano Local Government
Area of Imo State.
In a statement by Acting Deputy Director, Army Public
Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, the Division
described the reports as false, malicious, and deliberately orchestrated
by criminal actors to tarnish the image of the military and disrupt public
trust.
“The Division wishes to state categorically that no
soldier under its command was involved in such misconduct,” the statement said.
“Our troops operate under strict adherence to the code of conduct and rules of
engagement, and maintain the highest standards of professionalism in all
military operations.”
The Army suggested that the allegations were fabricated
by elements seeking to destabilize the peace and cast aspersions on the
credibility of its operations in the region. It reaffirmed its commitment to
lawful engagement and civil-military cooperation.
82 Division spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi
Olalekan Ayeni said, “This is a classic ploy by criminals to
erode the trust we’ve built with local communities. We remain committed to
working with security agencies, civil society, and traditional leaders to
identify and prosecute the real perpetrators of violence.”
The Division also appealed to the media to verify reports
before publication, warning that disinformation remains a powerful tool used by
non-state actors to undermine peacebuilding efforts in conflict-prone zones.
🏷️Tags:
Nigerian Army, 82 Division, Imo State, Military Operations, Disinformation
#82Division #ImoSecurity #NigerianArmy #Disinformation #ZigDefence
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