The Army has issued a warning to Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi, ordering him to desist from comments that embolden bandits.
Gumi alleged while he was a guest on Arise News morning show that some soldiers were colluding with bandits to perpetrate crime.
He said banditry was a result of neglect by the government, adding that some of the bandits are children, just like their abductees.
“Why are they (child bandits) not in school?” he asked.
Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, said in a statement: “The Nigerian Army has just been alerted to a submission by Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi when he featured on Arise TV Morning Show on Wednesday alleging that the Nigerian military is colluding with marauding bandits who have been responsible for various crimes and atrocities against Nigerians and the Nigerian state.
“The Nigerian Army wishes to state that contrary to Sheik Gumi’s claims, the NA remains a bonafide symbol of national unity that has conducted its constitutional responsibilities in the most professional manner in line with global best practices of adherence to the rules of engagement and protection of the fundamental human rights of the citizenry.
“The sweeping allegation peddled by the scholar is not only sad and unfortunate but a calculated attempt to denigrate the Nigerian military and undermine the sacrifices of our patriotic troops, who are working tirelessly to restore peace and stability across the country.
“It must also be pointed out, that while the military is very much receptive to constructive criticism, it should not be perceived as a gateway for derogatory comments that have the potential to embolden criminals.
“Opinion leaders are enjoined to demonstrate patriotism in building the peace, rather than being agents of destabilisation, thereby aggravating the current security challenges facing the nation.”
