The Nigerian Army has provided clarification regarding the arrest and detention of a Point of Sale (POS) operator, Nansak Selbar, in Plateau State, over allegations of aiding kidnappers and facilitating ransom payments for terrorist groups.
Dismissing claims circulating online that Major General Nansak Shagaya could face a N100 million penalty for Selbar’s alleged illegal detention, the Army labeled such reports as baseless and misleading.
In a statement signed by Lt. Col. Aliyu Danja, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, the Army detailed Selbar’s alleged involvement in criminal activities.
“Mr. Nansak Selbar was apprehended for facilitating kidnapping operations, specifically by receiving ransom payments for kidnappers. Further investigations uncovered his involvement in acts harmful to national security, such as procuring military uniforms for bandits and defrauding individuals under the pretext of Army recruitment,” the statement said.
Citing the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act (TPPA) 2022, the Army revealed it had obtained a court order through a Motion Ex-Parte to detain Selbar for further investigations. It plans to transfer him to the relevant agency for prosecution.
The Army firmly denied that Selbar’s detention was ordered by Major General Shagaya, insisting that the suspect’s custody complies with legal processes.
The statement criticized the claims made in an article attributed to Alex Giwa, describing them as “spurious” and an attempt to discredit the Army and sow distrust among the public.
Highlighting the dangers of spreading false information, the Army warned that fake news could lead to public panic, confusion, and strained relations between security agencies and citizens.
“We call on bloggers and media outlets to exercise responsibility and desist from disseminating false narratives,” the statement urged.
Reassuring the public of its commitment to national security, the Army appealed for cooperation and intelligence-sharing to help combat criminal activities.
“The 3 Division Nigerian Army remains dedicated to safeguarding lives and property. We encourage the public to collaborate with us in eradicating criminal elements from our communities,” the statement concluded.
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