THE Nigerian Army has said soldiers did not loot Barakat Stores but rather recovered lots from hoodlums who took advantage of the #EndbadGovernance protest.
The director, army public relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, stated this while reacting to a viral video insinuating that troops participated in the looting spree by some unscrupulous persons who took advantage of the protest on Thursday in Kano to loot a store.
He explained that contrary to the misconception portrayed in the purported video, soldiers of 3 Brigade NA responded to a distress call of hoodlums’ attack on Barakat Stores in the metropolis, adding that the swift intervention of the soldiers prevented the hoodlums from having a filled day.
He said the troops intercepted some of the hoodlums and recovered some of the looted items, which they were conveying back to the store, when another distress call of a planned attack on the Kano State Government House was received.
“Considering the urgency of the imminent attack, the troops immediately diverted to respond to the distress call in order to protect the Government House from the hoodlums’ attack.
“It was in the course of the response to distress call about possible attack on Kano Government House that the video was shot. The fluidity and urgency of the distress call explain why troops in the video were not overly bothered when some hoodlums even stole from the troops’ truck while in motion. At that juncture, preventing the attack on the Government House was more expedient.
“Troops have since moved the recovered gallons of cooking oil and other items back to the store, where they were safely handed-over to the rightful owner”.
General Nwachukwu said the management of Barakat Stores had acknowledged and appreciated the effort of the troops and their professional conduct in a letter conveyed by the general manager.
He commended the troops for their swift effort and professional conduct in maintaining law and order and prevention of wanton looting by the hoodlums.
“These actions demonstrate the NA’s commitment and resolve to protect lives and property of the citizenry,” he added.
He urged members of the public to be cautious of misinformation and verify facts before drawing conclusions.
