Army Promises to Conduct Thorough Investigation
The Nigerian Army has said it will conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations of a female soldier who accused some senior officers of abusing her.
In a viral video, some senior officers allegedly maltreated a female soldier who was not wearing a uniform. She alleged that they had denied her the right to wear her uniform, confiscated her belongings, and threatened to kill her.
The Director of Army Public Relations, Maj. Gen. Nwachukwu Onyema, said in a statement on Friday that the investigation was to ascertain the extent of her claims.
He also slammed the female soldier, adding that she had not sought redress according to the laid-down procedure.
Contrary to The Claims
Onyema said that contrary to the claims made in the video, the soldier in question had not exhausted the laid-down procedure for seeking redress in the Nigerian Army.
However, he said that aside from the Human Rights and Gender Desks established in Army Headquarters and across Nigerian Army formations, where complaints about human rights and gender issues are also entertained, there were other channels for addressing grievances and concerns as a member of a noble and disciplined force.
Onyema added that the Nigerian Army remained a professional force that self-regulates and conducts its activities in adherence to established rules and ethics while upholding the highest standards of discipline among personnel.
He therefore encouraged all personnel to always utilise the established channels for addressing grievances and concerns as a member of a noble and disciplined force.
Appropriate Action
Onyema assured the general public that the Nigerian Army as an institution is committed to upholding the integrity and morals of its personnel and that they would take appropriate actions based on the findings of the investigation.
Furthermore, he urged the public to allow the investigative process to take its course and refrain from making hasty judgments. He said the Nigerian Army remained dedicated to serving the nation with honor and integrity.
In December 2023, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, received a petition from a human rights lawyer requesting the identification and accountability of the Army personnel responsible for assaulting a police officer.
The incident reportedly took place on December 9, 2023, at a store where the policeman had gone to buy personal items.
Similarly, In November 2023, the Nigerian Army allegedly invaded the Adamawa State Police Command headquarters in Yola and killed an inspector of police identified as Jacob Daniel.
President Bola Tinubu had in December issued a stern warning to the Nigerian Army to desist from carrying out retaliatory assaults on the police or the civilian population over any provocation. He said such actions would undermine the security and stability of the country and erode the trust and confidence of the people in the security forces.
In addition, he expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the security forces for their sacrifices and dedication to the service of the nation.
He said the government would continue to support and empower them to overcome the security challenges facing the country and restore peace and order.
He appealed to the public to cooperate and support the security forces in their efforts to secure the nation and protect lives and property.
In conclusion, he said the government was hopeful that with the collective efforts and support of all stakeholders, the country would overcome its security challenges and emerge stronger and more united.
Source: Punch
