Kuje prison attack: DHQ dismisses Fani-Kayode’s allegations against military

Akpor said that Fani-Kayode made allegations in a social media video following the recent spate of terrorist attacks particularly, the attack on the Kuje Custodial Centre.

He said that Fani-Kayode had also claimed that soldiers were withdrawn shortly before the prison was attacked.

He said that Fani-Kayode was merely playing to the gallery as he was not in any position to know whether the DSS notified the military of any attack.

“It may not be impossible that such a claim is part of a calculated attempt to cause division and rivalry amongst all government agencies that have been working collaboratively in addressing issues of insecurity in the country.

“The claim that soldiers were withdrawn from the Kuje Correctional Custodial Centre before the attack is laughable.

“It is sad that Fani-Kayode is ignorant of whose responsibility it is to guard prison,” he said.

The defence spokesman said that Fani-Kayode had also claimed that the military took no action on the recent Shiroro terrorists’ attack, which resulted in the unfortunate death of some soldiers, policemen and civilians.

He said it was also an attempt to smear the military and create bad blood between service personnel and the military high command.

According to Akpor, it is a despicable statement that does not honour the sacrifices of the gallant officers and soldiers that paid the supreme price while defending the the mining community.

“What a shame! Fani-Kayode is encouraged to pay more attention to the weekly briefs by Defence Media Operations.

“Defence Media Operations gives weekly briefs and updates on operations being conducted across the country; press releases on military operations are also made when the need arises.

“Fani-Kayode is also called to refresh himself on the constitutional roles of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

“It is pertinent to state that the armed forces have toiled to sustain and nurture our democracy, hence the same military cannot contemplate a coup d’état, as alluded to by Fani-Kayode in his video,” he added.

Akpor said the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor, had always stressed the unalloyed loyalty of the armed forces to the President, Commander-in-Chief and the Nigerian Constitution.