Nigerian Army Debunks Claims That Its Officers Manning The CCTV At The NDA Were Asleep Before The Attack

Following claims that the officers manning the CCTV at the Nigerian Defense Academy NDA in Kaduna were asleep before the bandits attacked the institution in the early hours of Tuesday, August 24, leading to the death of two officers and another abducted, the Nigerian Army has reacted.

A report by The Cable alleged that the officers who were assigned to observe the CCTV of the institution were allegedly sleeping on duty before the attack.

A statement released by the spokesperson of the Defence Headquarters, Maj. Gen. Benjamin Olufemi Sawyerr, says the allegation is false. The statement in part reads;

''The attention of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) have been drawn to a news publication by Cable online news media claiming that personnel on duty at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) CCTV monitoring room were sleeping when bandits attacked the officers' residential quarters leading to the death of two officers and the abduction of 1 other officer.

The Nigerian Armed Forces wishes to state categorically that the allegation is untrue and hence challenge the Cable Online to publish forthwith a verifiable proof of personnel sleeping during the incident.

It is therefore imperative to caution the Cable Online media to guide against being used as a propaganda tool by enemies of our dear country. The Cable Online should not consciously or unconsciously collaborate with these unscrupulous elements to spread unverified stories on the unfortunate event that occurred at NDA Kaduna while tarnishing the good image and reputation of personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) in the eyes of the civil populace.''

Sawyerr added that a panel has been instituted to investigate the remote causes of the attack.

''It is perhaps important to mention that the AFN as a professional force consist of highly trained personnel who are dedicated to their duties of protecting lives and property of all Nigerians.

Let me use this opportunity, to reiterate that the NDA authorities, acting on the directive of the Chief of Defence Staff has constituted a board of enquiry to ascertain the remote and immediate cause(s) of the breach of security with a view to sanction any personnel found culpable and also prevent future occurrence.

Let me also assure that we shall continue to update the general public as events unfold as we are all aware the search and rescue of the abducted officer is still on. Troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria will continue with it's operations to ensure all those involved in the dastardly act are brought to justice.'' the statement read.