The Nigerian Army has denied allegations that its troops assaulted some women during the ongoing operations in Gokana, Khana and Tai Local Government Areas of Rivers State.
The Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Division, Port Harcourt, Col. Aminu Iliyasu, refuted the claims while reacting to an online report which accused troops from the Division of battering women in the council areas.
Iliyasu said: “This publication is totally false, mischievous and a failed and unsubstantiated attempt by some cultists and other criminal elements in Ogoniland to cry wolf where there is actually none.
“This baseless story is a calculated and failed attempt to distract and force the withdrawal of troops from carrying out their duties which involved patrols and other operational activities.
“Our constant patrols in the areas have effectively checkmated and denied criminals freedom to carry out their nefarious activities while assisting in restoring peace and security to the troubled areas.”
Iliyasu said the Army had on March 6, after a stakeholders meeting which had in attendance paramount rulers, community leaders and other security agencies, resolved to send troops to the areas.
He said that part of the agreement reached at the meeting was to restrict movement of residents from 7pm to 6am in order to end the incessant cult clashes and killings in the areas.