MILITARY ACCUSES CNN OF BLACKMAIL

The Defense headquarters yesterday came hard on the Cable Network News, CNN, describing its recent report on the prosecution of the war against terrorism as blackmail against Nigeria.

The CNN had, in the report, suggested that soldiers prosecuting the war against Boko Haram insurgents were disorganized, making it hard to defeat the insurgents. The report also quoted a supposed Nigerian soldier, whose face was covered during interview, as saying that so many things are wrong, leading to the poor performance of Nigerian soldiers.
Reacting, the Director of Defence Information, DDI, Major General Chris Olukolade described the allegation as blackmail against the nation.
He said, “The federal government and the military leadership are concerned, committed and focused on the ongoing fight against terror.
“The orchestrated blackmail and propaganda by entrenched interests will not deter the military.
“If it is true that a Nigerian soldier will wilfully go against the rules by speaking without due authorization and misinform the foreign media, then it indicates how deeply committed and how far the interest of these enemies of Nigeria and humanity have gone in trying to undermine and destroy the Military.
“The motive of this satanic CNN report should be of concern to all patriots and Nigeria’s well-wishers.
“We believe that appropriate security agencies will also work on the root of this blackmail against the nation. The fight is not for the military alone.”