Battlefront not playground – Defence Headquarters react to report of soldiers begging for alms

The Defence Headquarters on Wednesday reacted to a trending video clip and story alleging that soldiers fighting Boko Haram terrorists now beg for food and sleep in classrooms.
In a statement from John Agim, Brigadier General and Director Defence Information, there is nothing farther from the truth in the story.
According to him, “the Defence Headquarters hereby draws the attention of the media and the general public to activities of fifth columnists whose only objective is to collaborate with enemies of our nation to prolong their own organizational interests.
“The story/video is one of their many strategies targeted at breaking the cohesion and the fighting spirit of the troops.”
General Agim said, it is a known fact that all over the world, the battlefront is not a playground. What differentiates soldiers from civilians is the ability to endure hard conditions and make sacrifices.
“Same goes for accommodation at the battlefront as the soldiers are either on the move or in trenches.
“Accommodation where necessary, are makeshift and not expected to be luxurious. That is the reality and price of the Military Profession. There is no easy way.
“For those who may not know, there is no barracks in Sambisa forest and several other troops locations in the North East.
“Also, troops are promptly paid approved operational allowances aside other welfare and administrative arrangements. Whereas there may be challenges in the battle-space which is normal, appropriate measures are being taken to address them.
“The story is a failed attempt to distract the purposeful direction in the counterterrorism fight.
“The Nigerian Armed Forces is stating categorically here that its fighting spirit is indomitable and no amount of falsehood can distract the military from fighting terrorism to a conclusive end.
“The public is hereby enjoined to disregard the publication and continue to give the military the needed support and cooperation. Together, we shall bring total peace and security to our fatherland.”