The Army has ordered an investigation into allegations of harassment and assault of civilians by troops in South-west Nigeria.
- +Army Orders Probe Into Alleged Harassment Of Civilians By Troops In South-West
The Commandant of the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, has ordered an investigation into allegations of harassment and brutalisation of members of the civilian population by some military personnel in the South-west, following a press statement issued by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), South-west Zone D.
The Commandant of the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, has ordered an investigation into allegations of harassment and brutalisation of members of the civilian population by some military personnel in the South-west, following a press statement issued by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), South-west Zone D.
The directive followed concerns raised over the alleged misconduct of some soldiers, which was contained in the statement issued by the student body.
In a statement, the Army Public Relations Officer, Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, Major Yahaya Ibrahim, said the Nigerian Army remained committed to protecting all citizens, particularly young people.
According to him, “The Nigerian Army exists to protect all citizens, especially the youth, who are the future of the nation.
“Any conduct that falls short of that mandate is unacceptable. No student or law-abiding citizen should ever feel unsafe or be subjected to harassment, intimidation or assault by those entrusted with the security of lives and property.
“In line with military regulations and the values of the Nigerian Army, the Commandant has ordered an investigation to ascertain the facts of the incident and bring perpetrators to justice.”
He appealed to the NANS South-west Coordinator, Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, to provide all available evidence and witness statements to facilitate a thorough investigation into the incident.
The statement reaffirmed that the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, remains committed to ensuring that its personnel uphold the highest standards of professionalism at all times.
It added that the alleged conduct does not reflect the training and character development imparted to recruits at the Depot, assuring that any personnel found culpable would face the full weight of military law.
The Commandant also expressed readiness to meet with the leadership of NANS at the earliest opportunity to agree on the way forward.
