The Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, has claimed that the recent attack on the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) might be a ploy to embarrass the present administration.
Newsflash Nigeria had earlier reported that bandits attacked the NDA in Afaka, Kaduna State in the early hours of Tuesday, killing two military officers and abducting an Army major.
It was gathered that the bandit later demanded N200 million to release the officer by military authorities have refused to negotiate with the terrorists.
Speaking to Channels TV on Wednesday night monitored by Newsflash Nigeria, Buhari’s spokesperson, said the presidency expects the military to investigate and disclose what truly happened.
The presidential spokesperson, who described the incident as “sad and unfortunate”, noted that many scenarios are being painted on the circumstances that led to the incident.
He said the incident might be designed by those who want to embarrass this current administration, in the wake of the “major successes” achieved by the military in the fight against insurgency and banditry.
He however alleged that the attack by bandits, who have not openly pledged any political allegiance, might be politically motivated.
Nigeria News: Gov Uzodinma support Buhari open grazing, against Southern governors’ agreement
“The president has denounced it. He is not happy about it. It is now left for the military authorities to thoroughly investigate this and bring out what happened,” he said.
“So many scenarios are being painted though. Could this be truly a criminal attempt to violate the sanctity of that military institution? Was this an opportunistic crime? Is it political? Does somebody want to embarrass the government by doing this?
“We are coming from major successes. Look at how Boko Haram is unravelling in the north; they surrendered. All of the victories that have been recorded even in the northwest — these bandits are being taken out in large numbers.
“So, in a climate — political climate — in which people seek to make political capital out of this unfortunate incident, you don’t rule in anything, you don’t rule out anything.”
