10th July, 2022
By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Defence Headquarters has critisied Fani-Kayode over the allegations that the Department of State Security (DSS) informed the military about an impending attack on the Kuje Correctional Centre and a previous attack on a Kaduna-Abuja passenger train.
Fani-Kayode had, on Saturday, alleged that the DSS were informed and that soldiers were withdrawn shortly before the prison was attacked.
In response, the Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Jimmy Akpor described the allegations as wild and unsubstantiated.
Akpor said that Fani-Kayode was merely playing to the gallery, as he was not in any position to know whether the DSS notified the military of any attack.
He said; “It may not be impossible that such a claim is part of a calculated attempt to cause division and rivalry amongst all government agencies that have been working collaboratively in addressing issues of insecurity in the country.
“The claim that soldiers were withdrawn from the Kuje Correctional Custodial Centre before the attack is laughable.
“It is sad that Fani-Kayode is ignorant of whose responsibility it is to guard the prison.”
Fani-Kayode had also claimed that the military took no action on the recent Shiroro terrorists’ attack which resulted in the unfortunate death of some soldiers, policemen and civilians.
According to Akpor, it was also an attempt to smear the military and create bad blood between service personnel and the military high command.
He added that it is a despicable statement that does not honour the sacrifices of the gallant officers and soldiers that paid the supreme price while defending the mining community.
“What a shame! Fani-Kayode is encouraged to pay more attention to the weekly briefs by Defence Media Operations.
“Defence Media Operations gives weekly briefs and updates on operations being conducted across the country; press releases on military operations are also made when the need arises.
“Fani-Kayode is also called to refresh himself on the constitutional roles of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
“It is pertinent to state that the armed forces have toiled to sustain and nurture our democracy, hence the same military cannot contemplate a coup d`etat, as alluded to by Fani-Kayode in his video.
“It is not time for attention-seeking individuals to cause needless distractions.
“Members of the public are, therefore, urged to ignore Fani-Kayode and remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly to law enforcement agencies,” he added.