The Nigerian Army has refuted claims circulating on social media that its troops were involved in looting shops in Kano alongside protesters who hijacked ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests.
Naija News reports that a viral video of military personnels riding in their Hilux with items that seems to be looted goods went viral.
In a statement released by Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, the Army acknowledged the viral video suggesting that soldiers participated in looting activities on Thursday, August 1, 2024. He clarified that this was a misrepresentation of the facts.
According to Nwachukwu, soldiers from the 3 Brigade of the Nigerian Army were responding to a distress call regarding an attack by hoodlums on Barakat Stores in the city. Their timely intervention prevented the looters from causing more damage.
Nwachukwu noted that the video footage in question was recorded during the urgent response to the possible attack on the Government House. The urgency of the situation meant that soldiers did not react when some looters took items from the military truck while it was moving.
He further stated that the recovered goods, including gallons of cooking oil, were safely returned to Barakat Stores and handed over to the rightful owner. The store’s management expressed gratitude to the soldiers for their professional conduct and efforts in a letter from the general manager.
The statement read, “NATIONWIDE PROTEST: KANO LOOTING VIDEO MISCONCEIVED
“The Nigerian Army (NA) has been notified of a viral video circulating in the social media, insinuating that troops participated in the looting spree by some unscrupulous persons who took advantage of the protest to perpetrate the looting that occurred on Thursday, 1 August 2024 in Kano.
“The NA by this statement wishes to set the record straight and correct this misinformation. Contrary to the misconception portrayed in the purported video, soldiers of 3 Brigade NA responded to a distress call of hoodlums’ attack on Barakat Stores in the metropolis, the swift intervention of the soldiers however prevented the hoodlums from having a filled day.
“The troops intercepted some of the hoodlums and recovered some of the looted items, which they were conveying back to the Store, when another distress call of a planned attack on the Kano State Government House was received.
“Considering the urgency of the imminent attack, the troops immediately diverted to respond to the distress call in order to protect the Government House from the hoodlums’ attack. It was in the course of the response to distress call about possible attack on Kano Government House, that the video was shot.
“The fluidity and urgency of the distress call explain why troops in the video were not overly bothered when some hoodlums even stole from the troops’ truck while in motion. At that juncture, preventing the attack on the Government House was more expedient.
“Troops have since moved the recovered gallons of cooking oil and other items back to the store, where they were safely handed-over to the rightful owner. The management of Barakat stores has acknowledged and appreciated the effort of the troops and their professional conduct in a letter conveyed by the organization’s General Manager.
“The NA commends the troops for their swift effort and professional conduct in maintaining law and order and prevention of wanton looting by the hoodlums. These actions demonstrate the NA’s commitment and resolve to protect lives and property of the citizenry.
“We urge the public to be cautious of misinformation and verify facts before drawing conclusions. We appreciate the cooperation and support of law-abiding members of the public in ensuring peace and safety at this critical moment.”
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