The Nigerian Army has denied reports that there will be military lockdown of Nigeria starting from Friday, as part of measures to contain coronavirus pandemic.
In a statement on Wednesday, Acting Director Army Public Relations, Col. Sagir Musa, described the reports as mischievous, false and misleading.
According to the Army spokesman, the reports were designed by certain mischievous elements to create chaos, panic, and disaffection in the country.
Musa said the promoters of the reports had some ulterior motives despite the country and the world battling the spread of coronavirus.
He said the document quoted was a proactive directive for the Nigerian army to prepare for a possible escalation of the COVID -19 based on the happenings around the world on the pandemic.
Musa added that the lies will not dissuade the Nigerian Army from working with sister services, the Nigeria Police and other security agencies to keep the nation safe.
The statement reads: “The misinterpretation that Government is locking down the entire country and pulling out the Army by Friday 27 March 2020 is utterly false and baseless.
“The NA considers the publication and negative interpretation being given the content of the Classified document containing information meant for the Nigerian Army personnel as a violation of the Official Secret Act.
“The NA will continue to be professional, proactive and responsive in support of the Constitution, Democracy and Government of NIGERIA in line with its constitutional mandate of providing aid to civil authority when called upon to do so.”
