Military investigates alleged humiliation of civilians

The Nigerian Army has commenced investigation into alleged humiliation of members of the public in Abia State at checkpoints.

Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 82 Division Nigerian Army, Colonel Sagir Musa, made this known on Thursday against the background of a video clip trending on social media and other platforms purportedly showing troops humiliating some people at a check point in Abia State.

In a statement made available to The Next Edition Musa said the military authority would not condone any act of indiscipline in the conduct of its operations and training exercises.

According to him, any claim of rights violation would be investigated and when confirmed, appropriate disciplinary action would be taken against the erring personnel.

He however cautioned that the military was aware of alleged antics of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to misinform the public.

Chief of Army Staff Buratai

He said they intended to send out prerecorded video clips aimed at discrediting the Nigerian Army, causing disaffection among the citizens of the country.

The statement reads in part: “The attention of the Headquarters 82 Division Nigerian Army has been drawn to a video clip trending on social media and other platforms purportedly showing troops humiliating some people at a check point in Abia State, Nigeria.

“The issue is being investigated with the view to ascertain the source and the actors in the clip. Our Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement are quite clear and any officer or soldier that infringed on any of such directive if found guilty, will face full wrath of the military justice system.

“We would like to inform the public that 82 Division is also aware of the planned misinformation and propaganda arrangement by the secessionists Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

“They intend to churn out prerecorded video clips aimed at discrediting the Nigerian Army, causing disaffection among the citizens of this country.

“They will be using bogus, manipulated and photo-shopped photographs as well as video clips. The public should be wary of such mischief, scrutinize and report same to the Nigerian Army or any of security agencies.

“The Division wishes to reassure the public that it is determined to ensuring the safety of lives and properties in its area of operational responsibility, particularly the entire South East geo-political zone as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”