By Ameh Gabriel
The Nigerian Army has strongly refuted allegations that its 14 Brigade is issuing residential permits to individuals based on their ethnic background. The denial follows the resurgence of a misleading video on social media that first appeared in 2021 but resurfaced in 2025, sparking fresh controversy.
In a statement released by Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Unuakhalu, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 82 Division, the Army clarified that the residential permit displayed in the video was issued to Mr. Ibrahim Saleh under the Barracks Investment Initiative Programme (BIIP)—a livestock empowerment scheme designed to equip personnel and their families with agro-based business skills.
Unuakhalu emphasized that the renewed circulation of the outdated content is both misleading and disingenuous, urging the public to dismiss the claims as baseless. He explained that the permit was granted to Mr. Saleh solely based on his expertise and after proper vetting. It was retrieved upon the expiration or termination of his engagement with the initiative.
The Army further stressed that any suggestion that the 14 Brigade or any formation of the Nigerian Army issues residential permits based on ethnicity is entirely unfounded. It added that the permit in the viral video was connected to a 2021 incident where Mr. Saleh was intercepted by local vigilantes in Isiukwuato Local Government Area of Abia State. Following thorough investigation, the matter was fully resolved, confirming the permit was legitimate and tied to his work in the barracks under BIIP.
The Army also urged the public to be cautious of misinformation, especially in an era of artificial intelligence and digital manipulation. It advised citizens to rely only on accurate and verified information from credible sources to avoid spreading falsehoods.
Lieutenant Colonel Unuakhalu reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to professionalism, integrity, and impartiality, stating, “We dissociate ourselves from any form of ethnic bias or preferential treatment.”
The 82 Division called on citizens, especially those in the South-East region, to work together to promote peace, unity, and mutual trust for the benefit of national security and development.
