"It Is An Effort In Blackmail" - Nigerian Military Rejects CNN Report

Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in Abuja has condemned a report by Cable News Network (CNN). The DHQ disclosed this in two separate posts on its official website and Twitter yesterday while reacting to what it described as “satanic” interview aired by the Cable News Network on Thursday which it claimed was with a soldier involved in the ongoing counter-terrorism operations.

“The Federal Government and the mlitary leadership are concerned, committed and focused on the ongoing fight against terror. The orchestrated blackmail propaganda by entrenched interests as clearly illustrated by the ultra-biased CNN report will not deter the Military.
“If it is true that a Nigerian Soldier will willfully go against the rules by speaking without due authorization and misinform the foreign media, then it indicates how deeply committed and how far the interest of these enemies of Nigeria and humanity have gone in trying to undermine and destroy the Military. 

“The motive of this satanic CNN report should be of concern to all patriots and Nigeria’s well wishers. We believe that appropriate security agencies will also work on the root of this blackmail against the nation. The fight is not for the Military alone,” DHQ said in the first post.

In the second post later in the day, the DHQ said it disowned the CNN report in absolute terms while it also described it as an ochestrated smear campaign to tarnish the image of the country’s armed forces.

“The Nigerian military reject in absolute terms the report that has been repeatedly aired on CNN which presented footages of interviews with individuals claiming to be Nigerian soldiers. This said report is certainly another orchestrated smear campaign targeted at the image and character of the Nigerian Armed Forces by some entrenched interests. This CNN interview and report is an unfortunate effort to promote blackmail. It smacks of an international conspiracy against Nigeria’s national security. 

“A reputable medium is not expected to indulge in propagating concocted stories from persons or individuals whose identity remains questionable. Unfortunately, the report has been so zealously repeated with a view to enhancing its effect in terms of mischief. However, even if the blackmailers turned out to be Nigerian soldiers, the scenario only bespeak of the extent to which those who seek to bring the Nigerian military into disrepute can go in their desperation. 

‘Without making any attempt to dignify an absolute mendacity, this Headquarters wishes to restate that the Federal Government and the leadership of the Nigerian Armed Forces are without doubt committed and focused on the ongoing fight against terror and is ensuring that both weapons and welfare are incrementally provided to the fighting force.  

“Our soldiers know this and they are gallantly working round the clock to reverse the unfortunate gains of terrorists and improve the security situation in the affected areas. The orchestrated blackmail and propaganda against the leadership of the Nigerian military will certainly not stop us from stamping out terrorism in our country,” the DHQ said.

Sources: @DefenceinfoNG on Twitter / http://defenceinfo.mil.ng