The 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Kaduna on Tuesday denied alleged involvement of soldiers in the demolition of the Kaduna State Secretariat of All Progressive Congress (APC).

The denial followed call by the affected faction of the APC for the removal of Division’s GOC over alleged partisanship.

A press statement issued by Col. Muhammad Dole, Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, denied that soldiers were involved in the demolition of the APC secretariat early Tuesday in Kaduna.

“The allegation and the attempt to drag the Nigerian Army into the issue of demolition is yet another baseless and unsubstantiated claim to malign the hardworking, loyal and professional officers and soldiers of 1 Division Nigerian Army and discredit them.

“Contrary to claims, the troops of 1 Division have not been involved in any illegal activity of either harassment of politicians or demolition of their properties in Kaduna and its environs.

“Therefore this claim remains the highest mischief and misleading and it is viewed as another calculated attempt to distract our troops from performing their professional duties.”

Dole urged the general public to disregard the allegation and pledged that the Army would continue to remain apolitical and non-partisan in the discharge of its duties.

“Presently our troops are dutifully engage in exercise Ayem Akpatuma (Cat Race) in Niger and Kaduna states, combating kidnappings, cattle rustling, armed banditry and terrorism,” he said.

The APC faction had in a statement by its Director of Administration, Yahaya Shinko, urged the Chief of Army Staff to relieve the GOC 1 Division of his appointment for allegedly meddling into partisan politics.

“The GOC allowed his men to give cover to the Governor with trucks numbering over 20 fully loaded with Military personnel and carried out the shameless act, thereby bringing the Military to disrepute,” it claimed. (NAN)

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