The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed viral images and videos that show the dumping of dead bodies into mass graves, ostensibly from military operations. Maj-Gen. Benjamin Sawyerr, Director of Defence Information, issued a statement on Sunday in Abuja dismissing the images and videos. According to Sawyer, a picture with the message “Alhamdulillah, Zamfara Must Secure” and other viral horrific pictures and videos allegedly came from current military operations in the country’s north-west and north-central regions.
According to him, it is important to state that the allegation is false and malicious and has no link whatsoever with the operations being conducted by troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).
“However, it is true that the AFN are presently conducting successful military operations against bandits and kidnappers in line with their constitutional roles.
“These operations are conducted in strict compliance with the rules of armed conflicts, utmost professional manner, strict adherence to rules of engagement and respect for fundamental human rights and dignity.
“The viral pictures being circulated have nothing in common with the ongoing operations.
“This callous action of linking ongoing operations with falsehood is deliberate and thus seeks to tarnish the good image and reputation of the AFN,” he said.
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According to Sawyerr, the military has been holding frequent media briefings when photographs of the operations are routinely shown to compliment achievements in ongoing operations.
He asked the public to ignore the graphic images, reassuring them that the military would continue to carry out its constitutional mission of keeping the country safe and secure for all law-abiding residents.
Source: PM News