PRESS STATEMENT
The Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM), under the leadership of Barr. Dalyop Solomon Mwantiri, has noted with concern the misleading narrative circulating on social media claiming that the military arrested suspects in connection with the recent attack on the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru.

For the avoidance of doubt, BYM is compelled to set the records straight for public information and independent verification, so that the issues can be objectively understood and properly appreciated.

Following the identification of one of the criminals neutralised by the military during the attack on NIPSS, vigilant members of the Berom host community swiftly swung into action, carried out a manhunt, arrested some known associates of the said criminal, and voluntarily handed them over to the military for thorough investigation. The arrests were part of the community-military synergy that has long existed and demonstrate the community’s commitment to supporting security agencies in exposing criminal networks within and beyond the area.

While the community and vigilante groups are still making assiduous efforts to assist security agencies in tracking other fleeing suspected associates, BYM wishes to register its displeasure and dismay over the fact that photographs of those associates handed over to the military for investigation have found their way onto social media through civilian sources, accompanied by false and misleading narratives. This is highly unacceptable, as the said associates, who should only be regarded as suspects, have, through such a leak of sensitive information, effectively been judged in the court of public opinion instead of the matter being handled discreetly as statutorily and professionally required.

This development raises serious concerns about the confidentiality of security information and respect for the rights of those arrested. It also has the potential to undermine ongoing efforts to track other fleeing members of the criminal gang and could adversely affect further investigations.

The Berom Youth Moulders-Association finds it appalling and counterproductive that photographs of arrested suspects are released to unauthorised persons or outsiders almost immediately after their arrest, as has repeatedly been observed, without due regard for their constitutional rights or the need to protect the integrity of ongoing investigations.

With this recurring pattern, particularly in the matter at hand, how can meaningful progress be made in the manhunt for other associates, among whom there could be individuals possessing vital information about the true perpetrators and the shadowy sponsors behind this dastardly act of criminality? Would it not have been more appropriate for such sensitive information to be jealously guarded until considerable arrests had been made and investigations had substantially progressed before any disclosure to the public, if such disclosure eventually became necessary?

As this disturbing trend continues, BYM observes that, instead of strengthening civil-military relations, it risks weakening the synergy required in the ongoing fight against insurgency and criminality.

Unrestrained disclosure of sensitive information not only undermines public confidence but also has the potential to compromise ongoing investigations and jeopardise efforts to apprehend other suspects.

BYM therefore calls on the military authorities to investigate the source of this apparent information leak and ensure that sensitive security information is handled professionally. We also urge members of the public to refrain from spreading unverified reports capable of misleading the public and frustrating security operations.

The Berom people remain committed to supporting lawful efforts to rid Plateau State of criminal elements. We will continue to cooperate with security agencies while insisting on professionalism, transparency, accountability, and fairness in the handling of matters relating to the security of our communities and Nigeria at large.

Signed:
Rwang Tengwong
National Publicity Secretary
Berom Youth Moulders-Association (BYM)