Nigerian Army reacts to viral video of soldiers’ protest in detention facility

By Innocent Raphael

The Nigerian Army’s headquarters has issued a public statement in response to a viral audiovisual recording circulating on social media, reportedly produced by some of its personnel held in custody at the 8 Division Garrison detention facility.

The recording had depicted soldiers protesting against overcrowded cells and lamenting poor feeding conditions.

In the statement released on Saturday and signed by Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, the Army expressed its dismay over the incident, describing it as an embarrassment to the administration efforts of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

According to the statement, the COAS has ordered an investigation to determine whether similar situations exist in other detention facilities.

While acknowledging the grievances raised by the soldiers, the Army emphasized that mutiny and conduct prejudicial to service order are serious offenses.

It vowed to appropriately sanction those involved in the unruly behavior while also ensuring that detainees are accorded decent treatment pending their judgment.

“The Service shall not shy away from appropriately sanctioning the soldiers involved in the unruly behaviour in its Sokoto detention facility for failing to exhaust all available options to channel their complaints to the appropriate authorities.

“However, if it was discovered they did and nothing was done, necessary administrative actions will be taken against anyone found to have failed to discharge his/her duties effectively.

“While the Service is mindful of its subjective oversight engagements by statutory bodies, it remains primarily a responsible, self-regulating professional body,” it read.

The Nigerian Army also reiterated its commitment to upholding professional standards and addressing security challenges facing the nation, while also expressing appreciation for the support of Nigerians.