The Defence Headquarters has cautioned users of social media to thread with caution when spreading information about the circumstances surrounding the invasion of the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna by bandits.
The Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Benjamin Sawyerr, on Wednesday, gave the warning in a statement issued in Abuja.
The warning came against the backdrop of reports in some section of the media that the personnel manning the CCTV monitoring room at the military academy had dozed off during the attack on the officers’ residential quarters within the NDA, killing two officers and abducted one other officer.
While dismissing the allegation as untrue, Sawyerr stated that despite the unfortunate attack on the NDA, the Armed Forces of Nigeria consisted of highly trained personnel who were dedicated to their duties of protecting the lives and property of all Nigerians.
He also challenged those spreading the report to also publish verifiable proof of personnel sleeping during the incident, adding that the military high command would sanction any personnel found culpable and prevent such occurrence in the future.
“It is, therefore, imperative to caution the media to guide against being used as a propaganda tool by enemies of our dear country.
It should not consciously or unconsciously collaborate with these unscrupulous elements, to spread unverified stories on the unfortunate event that occurred at the 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,” he said.
