The Defence Headquarters has said soldiers did not kill four people and dump their bodies in a pond in Jos, Plateau State during clampdown on looters of private property in the state.
Coordinator, Defence Media Operations Maj.-Gen. John Enenche said this in a statement on Saturday.
Enenche explained that the soldiers attached to the Special Task Force (STF), Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), were never engaged in any professional misconduct in preventing criminals from perpetrating crimes in the state.
He said that troops in an attempt to stop hoodlums from looting the residence of the former Speaker of the House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara at Lamingo on October 25 only arrested the perpetrators.
“Consequently, troops of the STF, OPSH, which are saddled with the responsibility of maintaining peace and tranquillity in Plateau State and environs were immediately deployed to bring the situation under control.
“Guided by extant Rules of Engagement and Standing Operating Procedures for such situations, the highly professional troops arrived at the residence and apprehended a total number of 30 looters.
“Additionally, a total of 114 hoodlums comprising 21 females and 93 males were apprehended for looting,’’ he said.
He added that reports that claimed otherwise were “malicious and mischievous”.
Enenche also disclosed that 41 suspected hoodlums comprising six females and 35 males were also arrested and thereafter released after profiling.
“Members of the general public are also assured of their safety and are encouraged to go about their lawful activities without any fear.
“Additionally, it is always advisable for media organisations to verify their facts before rushing to publish untrue and unverified stories,’’ he said.
