Army orders immediate investigation on maltreatment of civilians in Kaduna

Forum 11 months ago

Army orders immediate investigation on maltreatment of civilians in Kaduna

Following the revelations in a viral video showing soldiers in military uniform manhandling and maltreating some civilians at a popular hotel in Kaduna, the Nigerian Army has directed the immediate investigation into the audio-visual footage to ascertain its veracity, with a view to identifying the culprits.

According to a statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier Gen Onyema Nwachukwu, “the condemnable incident which was said to have taken place at 2Season Hotel and Resorts, Kaduna is an aberration of the values and ethics of professionalism, courage, selflessness and service to humanity which the NA represents”.

He said that the ‘Outcome of the investigation and sanctions against the persons clad in military camouflage, who perpetrated the dastardly acts, if found to be NA personnel, would be treated in accordance with extant provisions of the Armed Forces Acts.

The statement was titled ‘Maltreatment of Civilians at 2Season Hotel and Resorts, Kaduns Unaccepted’.

It said, “A provocative and unacceptable video footage trending on the social media, in which certain persons clad in military camouflage were seen molesting civilians, have been brought to the attention of the Nigerian Army (NA).

“The condemnable incident which was said to have taken place at 2Season Hotel and Resorts, Kaduna is an aberration of the values and ethics of professionalism, courage, selflessness and service to humanity which the NA represents.

“As a disciplined and regimented force committed to the supremacy of the constitution, defence of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation as well as aid to civil authorities, the NA has zero tolerance for any act inimical to the rights and wellbeing of the citizenry.

“Consequently, authorities of the NA have directed immediate investigation into the audio-visual footage to ascertain its veracity, with a view to identifying the culprits.

“Outcome of the investigation and sanctions against the persons clad in military camouflage, who perpetrated the dastardly acts, if found to be NA personnel, would be treated in accordance with extant provisions of the Armed Forces Acts.

It appreciated the general public for their continued support to the NA and urged all law abiding citizens to go about their legitimate businesses without any fear of molestation or intimidation from any quarter.

They should also “report any untoward conduct by troops to Nigerian Army to Human Rights Desks at the Headquarters Nigerian Army or at the Divisions Headquarters.”