The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai has ordered investigation into the allegations of extortion levelled against soldiers along Maiduguri-Gamboru Ngala Road in Borno state.
It was further alleged that the extortion from motorists had precipitated long queues of trucks and articulated vehicles travelling along the road leading to untold hardships on the part of travellers.
The situation had forced some concerned citizens to take to the social media, condemning the development and demanding that the army authority take immediate action.
A statement from the Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Sani Usman, said the army had noted with great concern the allegation of complacency and extortion being levelled against the soldiers.
According to him, Lt General Buratai has ordered an immediate investigation with a view to bring perpectrators to book.
General Usman said: “The Nigerian Army has noted with great concern about an allegation of complacency and extortion against soldiers by someone with twitter handle called “Danborno” on Social Media, in which he alleged long queues of trucks along Maiduguri-Gamboru Ngala road, Borno State.
” He also alleged that each truck owner pays the sum of N300,000.00k to soldiers for escorting them. Consequent upon this, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General TY Buratai has ordered for immediate investigation over these allegations.
“The Nigerian Army as a professional military institution thrives on discipline, selflessness and dedication to duty and operates within the confines of the laws, Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement.
“It would not tolerate any act of misdemeanour by any of its personnel. Similarly, we encourage members of the public to take advantage of our toll free telephone number 193 to report any observed lapses or allegation against any officer or soldier.
“We would like to also call on the members of the public especially affected individuals in Borno State to cooperate and volunteer information to the investigation team.”