The Nigerian Army has clarified the arrest and detention of a Point of Sale, POS operator, Nansak Selbar, in Plateau State.
The Army is accusing the POS operator of facilitating kidnappings and receiving ransom payments for terrorist groups.
The Army dismissed claims that Major General Nansak Shagaya risks a N100 million punishment for allegedly detaining Selbar illegally, describing such narratives as false and misleading circulating on social media.
Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, in a statement stated that the Army detailed the allegations against Selbar.
The further explained that Nansak Selbar was arrested for facilitating kidnapping activities by receiving ransom payments on behalf of kidnappers, pointing out that investigations revealed his involvement in other acts detrimental to national security, including sourcing military uniforms and kits for bandits and defrauding unsuspecting individuals under the guise of Army recruitment.
According to the statement, “Relying on the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, TPPA 2022, the Army secured a court order through a Motion Ex-Parte to detain Selbar for further investigation, with plans to transfer him to the appropriate agency for prosecution.”
The Army, according to the statement, categorically denied that Selbar’s detention was at the instruction of Major General Nansak Shagaya, emphasizing that the suspect’s custody adheres to legal provisions.
It described the allegations in the article, purportedly by Alex Giwa, as “spurious” and aimed at inciting public sentiment against the Army and cautioned against the proliferation of fake news, highlighting its potential to create panic, confusion, and distrust between the public and security agencies.
The statement also urged bloggers and media outlets to act responsibly and refrain from spreading false narratives while reaffirming its commitment to ensuring safety and called on the public to support its efforts by providing intelligence to combat criminal activities.
The statement explained that 3 Division Nigerian Army remains dedicated to protecting lives and property and urged the community to collaborate with us in flushing out criminal elements from society.