The Nigerian Army (NA) has denied allegations that its troops participated in a looting spree in Kano on Thursday, August 1, 2024.
A viral video had circulated on social media, insinuating that soldiers were involved in the looting. However, the NA has set the record straight, stating that troops from 3 Brigade NA responded to a distress call to prevent hoodlums from attacking Barakat Stores in the metropolis.
According to a statement by Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director Army Public Relations, the soldiers intercepted and recovered some looted items, which were being conveyed back to the store when another distress call was received about a planned attack on the Kano State Government House.
The troops immediately responded to protect the Government House, and it was during this response that the video was shot.
The NA explained that the fluidity and urgency of the distress call explain why troops in the video appeared not to be overly concerned when some hoodlums stole from their truck while in motion.
The troops have since returned the recovered items to the rightful owner, and the management of Barakat stores has acknowledged and appreciated their effort.
“The swift intervention of the soldiers however prevented the hoodlums from having a field 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”, said Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director Army Public Relations.
The NA commended the troops for their swift effort and professional conduct in maintaining law and order and preventing wanton looting.
The statement urged the public to be cautious of misinformation and verify facts before drawing conclusions.
