The Nigerian Army has described a viral video clip alleging lack of food and water for soldiers fighting Boko Haram in the northeast as the handiwork of “mischievous and disgruntled elements”.
The undated video, which was uploaded on YouTube on Tuesday, showed several soldiers surrounding three of their colleagues who they alleged fainted due to lack of food and water.
One of the soldiers explained that over 70 soldiers fainted due to lack of water, adding that they had spent up to three days at their location without water and food.
Another soldier begged that their message should be passed to President Muhammadu Buhari, adding that it would be a shame for them to perish for lack of water after surviving Boko Haram.
In a clear the air statement signed by acting Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman, on Tuesday, the military stated that the video clip was shot more than six months ago by some mischievous and disgruntled elements when 29 Task Force Brigade captured Alagarno Forest and environs in Borno State.
“It is disheartening that some mischievous elements have decided to circulate it now, creating the false impression that it is a recent occurrence,” Usman said.
“We wish to state further that the matter was conclusively investigated at the time, several months ago. The Board of Inquiry actually showed that, as at the time of the incident, the unit’s water tanker still contained water, but a soldier mischievously concealed it. That soldier was charged and punished accordingly.
“In addition to the unit’s water tanker, a borehole was subsequently drilled at the location and it is still serving both the military and adjoining communities.
“We wish to restate with utmost concern the continued commitment of the Nigerian Army to the total welfare of all its personnel.”
