Army denies extortion allegations over Delta checkpoint incident

The Headquarters 63 Brigade, Sector 1 Joint Task Force, South South, Operation DELTA SAFE, has denied allegations of extortion and assault involving its personnel throughout a checkpoint incident in Ibusa, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State.

The Brigade described a viral video circulating on social media as deceptive, insisting that its troops acted professionally whereas responding to a safety scenario in the neighborhood.

The army defined that the incident occurred at about 10pm on November 3, following studies of cult-related violence within the space.

Snap checkpoint established

In a press release issued on Wednesday and signed by the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 63 Brigade, Asaba, Iliyasu Rijau, the Brigade stated troops had established a snap checkpoint in Ibusa as a part of efforts to handle rising safety considerations.

According to the assertion, Ibusa had skilled recurring incidents involving cult clashes, armed theft and communal unrest, prompting the deployment of troops to strengthen safety within the space.

The Brigade stated three males approached the checkpoint however allegedly refused to cease for identification and routine safety checks.

It additional alleged that one of many males tried to grab a soldier’s rifle in the course of the encounter.

Gun journal pulled out

According to the army, the person didn’t reach taking the rifle however managed to drag out its journal, sustaining an damage to his hand from the sharp edges of the journal.

“The troops promptly evacuated the injured individual and his two companions to a nearby pharmacy for first aid before taking them to Headquarters 63 Brigade for further medical attention and investigation,” the assertion stated.

The Brigade stated the three males had been subsequently subjected to investigation over the circumstances surrounding the incident.

It added that preliminary investigations indicated that the lads had confessed to involvement in cult-related actions and web fraud.

Army rejects extortion declare

The army, nevertheless, strongly rejected allegations that its personnel demanded cash from the three males in the course of the encounter.

The Brigade stated such conduct was inconsistent with the skilled requirements and values of the Nigerian Army.

“Extortion or demanding money from members of the public is against the professional standards and values of the Nigerian Army,” the assertion maintained.

The denial adopted the circulation of a video on social media wherein allegations of extortion and assault had been made in opposition to troopers concerned within the checkpoint operation.

The Brigade urged members of the general public to depend on verified info in regards to the incident quite than unconfirmed claims circulating on-line.

Army questions video supply

The army additionally questioned the credibility of the person who circulated the video.

According to the Brigade, the individual was allegedly an IPOB fugitive residing in Ghana and was not current on the scene when the incident occurred.

The army additional accused the person of repeatedly publishing supplies it stated had been supposed to discredit safety businesses.

The Brigade didn’t disclose additional particulars concerning the particular person however maintained that the circumstances surrounding the video ought to be thought of when assessing the allegations made in opposition to the troopers.

Call for calm

The Commander of 63 Brigade urged residents of Ibusa and most people to stay calm and disrespect unverified studies in regards to the incident.

He additionally inspired residents to proceed offering credible and helpful info to safety businesses to help ongoing efforts to fight prison actions in the neighborhood.

The Commander reaffirmed the Brigade’s dedication to defending lives and property in Ibusa and neighbouring communities in accordance with the regulation.

He warned cultists and different prison components working within the space to desert their actions or face the complete weight of the regulation.

The Brigade added that its troops would proceed to work with different safety businesses and civil authorities to take care of peace and safety in Ibusa and its environs.