82 Division Nigerian Army Denies Allegations of Misconduct in Umualumaku, Imo State
…warns against misinformation, reaffirms commitment to professionalism
The Nigerian Army’s 82 Division has categorically denied allegations circulating in some quarters that its troops were involved in burning homes, looting property, and harassing civilians in Umualumaku, Ehime-Mbano Local Government Area of Imo State.
In a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, the Division described the reports as “false, malicious and calculated attempts to undermine military operations and public confidence.”
The Army insisted that no personnel under its command was involved in any such misconduct and affirmed that troops of the Division remain committed to the highest standards of professionalism. According to the statement, the Division operates with strict adherence to the military code of conduct and the rules of engagement, especially when deployed in civil environments.
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“The allegation appears to be the handiwork of criminal actors who, in their usual style, orchestrate such malicious reports to smear the image of the Division and undermine its efforts to ensure a safe and secure environment,” the statement said.
The Division further emphasized that it is a professional and disciplined force guided by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and that it will not tolerate any acts that threaten the rights or safety of citizens. It also reassured the public of its unwavering commitment to collaborating with other security agencies, traditional rulers, and civil society groups to identify and prosecute the real perpetrators of violence in the area.
In a strong appeal to the media, the Army urged journalists and media houses to refrain from publishing unverified claims and to be mindful of the damage misinformation can do to peace-building efforts in conflict-prone areas.
“The media is urged to rely only on verified information, as misinformation and disinformation are tools commonly deployed by criminal elements to undermine peace-building efforts,” the statement concluded.
The Army’s response comes amid heightened concerns over security operations in the Southeast, where criminal elements have increasingly resorted to propaganda in a bid to delegitimize security forces and destabilize communities.
