The Nigerian Military has accused unnamed politicians of mounting a campaign of calumny against it regarding the on-going war against terrorism in the country’s North-East. The allegation is contained in a story entitled ‘Misrepresenting the involvement of hunters in the counter-terrorism operations’ published late yesterday on the official blog of the military, http://defenceinfo.mil.ng

In the story, the military accused the politicians of giving credit for their exploits in the war to local hunters. It, however, vowed not to be distracted by the antics of such politicians and cautioned Nigerians not to allow themselves to be hoodwinked either. The story reads as follows:

“All the flimsy and exaggerated claims of hunters’ exploits in the ongoing operations are simply intended to foster a mischievous campaign aimed at disparaging and depreciating the professional efforts of the Nigerian military at containing the terrorists especially in Adamawa. It is obvious that the intention is to ridicule and discourage the military. We are not moved.

“While appreciating the effort of the hunters and citizens who have been supporting our troops in the onslaught, the military still remains in the vanguard of the mission to rid the nation of terrorists and their activities. We will remain focused and utilize only well-meaning support and advice in the ongoing campaign to wipe out terrorists.

“Much as we are aware of the politicians who are promoting the campaign for whatever reasons, we will not be distracted by their antics. The result of present efforts will soon manifest for the whole world to see and Nigerians and their military will not be diminished, as intended by those engaging in the campaign of calumny against the Nigerian military

“We however caution Nigerians not to allow themselves to be hoodwinked into danger by some false reports on so called liberation of certain areas by ‘hunters’ as we can only vouch for areas where the military has reported cleared of terrorists.”

•Photo shows Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshall Alex Badeh.