Authorities of the Nigerian Defence Academy disclosed on Thursday that a full scale panel of enquiry has been launched into allegations that Cadets of the premier military institution in the country were hobnobbing with Fulani herdsmen thereby putting the neutral stature of the institution at risk.
There had been reports that Cadets of the institution from Northern divide who absconded from training schedules, secured their uniforms and training fatigues with Fulani headsmen who are their confidents for days without the knowledge of the institution.
But responding to the allegation, the NDA in a statement entitled, ‘Re: Report on NDA Cadets Absconding from Academy’ said, “The attention of the Nigerian Defence Academy has been drawn to a report, specifically on instablogngr, in which the writer purports that some cadets of the Academy absconded from the institution for days, keeping their military uniforms and other property in the care of Fulani herdsmen.
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“The Nigerian Defence Academy genuinely appreciates the vigilance and forthrightness of the writer of the article and wishes to assure the writer and other well-meaning Nigerians that the Academy authorities have duly noted his observations and a full scale investigation is underway.
“Furthermore, we wish to reinforce the confidence of the public that our cadets are being trained under the strictest and most disciplined environment, as befitting of a world class military training institution.
Continuing, NDA said, “There are established procedures and guidelines that ensure cadets remain in the Academy.
“All cadets are to remain in the Academy except when duly authorized to leave, as provided by the rules and regulations of the Nigerian Defence Academy.
“For instance, any cadet discovered to be absent from the Academy for a period of 72 hours will be Struck of Strength (SOS) and ceases to be a cadet of the Academy.
The statement signed by Major Musa Agams Yahaya, Academy PRO insisted that, “All our cadets are aware of this and strict enforcement ensured where a cadet is found to have erred.
“Again, the Nigerian Defence Academy appreciates vigilance of the writer and avers that security is the collective responsibility of all Nigerians, be they military personnel or civilians.”
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