The Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has set up inquiry into the attack on National Defence College (NDA) by suspected terrorists.
The DHQ also denied news making the rounds that its personnel were asleep when the terrorist struck.
According to Defence spokesman, Major General Olufemi Sawyerr, the attention of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) was drawn to a news publication by an online news media claiming that personnel on duty at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) CCTV monitoring room were sleeping when bandits attacked the officers’ residential quarters leading to the death of two officers and the abduction of one other.
“The Nigerian Armed Forces wishes to state categorically that the allegation is untrue and hence challenge the Online to publish forthwith a verifiable proof of personnel sleeping during the incident.
“It is therefore imperative to caution the Online medium to guide against being used as a propaganda tool by enemies of our dear country. The Online medium should not consciously or unconsciously collaborate with these unscrupulous elements to spread unverified stories on the unfortunate event that occurred at NDA Kaduna while tarnishing the good image and reputation of personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) in the eyes of the civil populace.
“It is perhaps important to mention that the AFN as a professional force consist of highly trained personnel who are dedicated to their duties of protecting lives and property of all Nigerians.
“Let me use this opportunity, to reiterate that the NDA authorities, acting on the directive of the Chief of Defence Staff has constituted a board of enquiry to ascertain the remote and immediate cause(s) of the breach of security with a view to sanction any personnel found culpable and also prevent future occurrence.
“Let me also assure that we shall continue to update the general public as events unfold as we are all aware the search and rescue of the abducted officer is still on. Troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria will continue with it’s operations to ensure all those involved in the dastardly act are brought to justice.”
The security architecture of the Nigerian Defence Academy was compromised yesterday morning by terrorists who gained access into the residential area within the Academy in Afaka.
Spokesman of the academy, Major Bashir Jajira who made the disclosure noted that during the unfortunate incident, they lost two personnel while one was abducted.
“The Academy in collaboration with the 1Division Nigerian Army and Air Training Command as well as other security agencies in Kaduna State has since commenced pursuit of the unknown gunmen within the general area with a view to tracking them and rescue the abducted personnel.
“The NDA community and Cadets are safe in the Academy. We assure the general public that this unknown gunmen would soon be apprehended and the abducted personnel rescued.”