Nigerian Military has issued a strong warning to all international non-governmental organisations (NGOs) operating in the country, most especially, Amnesty International (AI) and its affiliates, to desist from meddling into security issues for the sake of national interest, cohesion and unity.
The military gave the warning in a press statement signed by the acting Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Rabe Abubakar. It condemned activities of AI and said the group did not mean well for the country.
“The military has maintained open door policy and has been cooperating with all stakeholders in ensuring that Nigerian Armed Forces remains one of the best and a proud institution for all Nigerians.
“For AI to be making spurious allegations, especially without substantiated and cogent reason, apart from those adduced by the organisation for the reason best known to it and its collaborators, is disturbing and unethical of an international organisation that is supposed to steer clear of local politics and to be seen as maintaining neutrality in its reportage of the countries where it operates,” it further read.
The statement condemned what it described as incessant negative report on Nigeria in general and the armed forces, in particular, by AI and called on all well meaning Nigerians who appreciate what the military and other security agencies have done to decimate Boko Haram terrorists and contain other criminal elements.
Speaking further, Abubakar claimed that the AI’s had only succeeded in giving an insight to the possibility of the organisation sponsoring various criminal gangs in our country with a view to achieving the sponsor’s intent.
The military also said it would welcome comments, criticisms and observations that could help the institution grow higher in the interest of the nation. It described AI as an agent of destabilisation, masquerading as a reputable international NGO and urged Nigerians “to rise up to this daunting challenge of not giving AI the chance to truncate our hard earned democracy and unity.”
Boasting on the commitment of the military and other security agencies, Abubakar affirmed that they remain focused in tackling the security problems in the nation and urged Nigerians, partners and international communities to continue to support its quest to free the country from the hands of criminal elements.
Source: Sun Newspaper
