Army explains solidiers’ shootings at Maiduguri airport

From Mustapha Isah Kwaru, Maiduguri

The Nigerian Army yesterday explained the circumstances that led to the Sunday’s shootings into air by some troops attached to Operation Lafiya Dole at the Maiduguri International Airport.
Our correspondent reports that the soldiers protested for being redeployed to Marte Local Government of Borno state, rather than being moved out of the theater of operations since they served for three years, in line with directive from high authorities.
A statement issued by Col. Onyema Nwachukwu Deputy Director Public Relations of Theatre Command, said the situation is now under control as calm has been restored at the airport.
“The Theatre Command yesterday (Sunday) witnessed a riotous reaction from a few unscrupulous troops while conducting a redeployment of troops who are currently deployed at the Maiduguri Airport, following a directive to review troops’ deployment in Maiduguri metropolis in a bid to reinvigorate the security architecture of the city”.
“The redeployment became expedient after a recent assessment of the security situation by the Theatre Command”, the statement said.
“Regrettably however, a few of the troops who had misunderstood the development and erroneously assumed it was going to negatively affect their rotation from the theatre of operation became agitated and reacted by firing into the air”.
“Calm has however been restored, as the Theatre Commander, Major General Abba Dikko has promptly taken charge of the situation after addressing and admonishing the troops”
“The Theatre Command undoubtedly considers this ugly incident quite regrettable and appropriate measures are being taken to forestall a recurrence”, it added.
The statement also enjoined the general public to remain calm and go about their normal activities as the situation has been put under firm control.