The Nigerian Army has confirmed the arrest of blogger and social media influencer, Justice Mark Chidiebere, also known as Justice Crack, over alleged misinformation and incitement following complaints by some soldiers regarding their feeding and other welfare-related issues, which he shared on social media.
In a statement on Sunday, the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Apollonia Anele, said the matter is currently under investigation for alleged breach of the Armed Forces’ Social Media Policy and attempts to misinform the public.
She added that preliminary findings indicate that the soldiers engaged Chidiebere on a wide range of issues, during which he appeared to be encouraging discontent within the ranks.
Hence, Justice Chidiebere was picked by the Nigerian Army alongside the soldiers for investigation. While the soldiers remain in own custody, Chidiebere has been handed over to the relevant civil authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution,” the statement asserted.
Colonel Anele reiterated that the Nigerian Army remains committed to the rule of law and will continue to work with relevant agencies to ensure justice is served.
Meanwhile, the Headquarters Theatre Command Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), had earlier raised concerns over the issues circulating online, maintaining that a detailed internal review found the claims to be misleading and inconsistent with the actual welfare and feeding arrangements of troops in the North East Theatre.
In a statement, the Media Information Officer of Joint Task Force (North East) Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, said, “Following a detailed internal review conducted in line with established procedures, the Theatre Command wishes to categorically state that the images and narratives being circulated are misleading and do not reflect the actual feeding arrangements or welfare standards of troops in the North East Theatre.
“For the avoidance of doubt, troops deployed across all formations and locations under Operation HADIN KAI are provided with rations strictly in accordance with approved military feeding scales.These provisions are consistently implemented and, where operational conditions permit, are further enhanced during special periods such as Sallah and Easter celebrations to boost morale and welfare.
“During the course of the review, a specific incident was identified involving a personnel who deliberately circulated a misleading image of a partially consumed meal, intended to create a false impression of troop feeding conditions. Investigations confirmed that the image did not represent the complete ration issued to the individual at the time.”
The Theatre Command, Colonel Uba reassured the public that the welfare of troops remains a top priority.
Linus Aleke
