Nigeria Army Arrested 2 Soldiers for Torturing Civilian in Rivers State

Nigeria Army arrested Two soldiers after a video surfaced on Tuesday showing them brutally torturing a half-naked civilian in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The viral video depicted the soldiers using belts to inflict physical harm on the defenseless man, leading to widespread condemnation and calls for immediate action. Responding to the public outcry, Lt.-Col. Danjuma Danjuma, the Acting Deputy Director of Public Relations for the 6 Division of the Nigeria Army, issued a statement in Port Harcourt on Thursday, confirming the arrest of the implicated soldiers.

Lt.-Col. Danjuma expressed the army’s profound dismay at the unprofessional conduct displayed in the video, emphasizing that the identified soldiers had been apprehended. He stressed that the Nigeria Army upholds professional standards and operates within the established rules of engagement. Recognizing the fundamental human rights of citizens, the army condemned any form of misconduct by its personnel. Maj.-Gen. Jamaal Abdulsalam, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 6 Division, has ordered a thorough investigation into the incident, assuring the public that those responsible will face appropriate sanctions.

Public Outcry and Calls for Accountability

The release of the video depicting the brutal torture inflicted by the soldiers triggered a wave of public outcry, with Nigerians expressing their shock and indignation on various social media platforms. Many called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the soldiers involved, demanding justice for the victim. Civil society organizations and human rights activists joined the chorus, emphasizing the need for accountability within the military ranks to prevent such incidents in the future.

Lt.-Col. Danjuma acknowledged the concerns of the public and reassured citizens that the Nigeria Army remains committed to upholding the rule of law and respecting the rights of individuals. He urged the public to continue providing credible information about any unprofessional conduct by military personnel, emphasizing the responsiveness of the 6 Division to such reports. The army’s swift response to the incident reflects its commitment to maintaining the trust of the public and ensuring that isolated cases of misconduct are promptly addressed.

Nigeria Army’s Commitment to Human Rights and Professionalism

Highlighting the army’s commitment to fundamental human rights, Lt.-Col. Danjuma reiterated that the unprofessional conduct exhibited by the soldiers in the video is an isolated case. He emphasized that such behavior goes against the principles and values upheld by the Nigeria Army, and the implicated soldiers will face the consequences of their actions. The General Officer Commanding, Maj.-Gen. Jamaal Abdulsalam, affirmed the army’s dedication to conducting a thorough investigation, sending a clear message that misconduct will not be tolerated within the military ranks.

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining discipline and professionalism within the armed forces. As the investigation unfolds, the public will be closely watching to ensure that justice is served and that the soldiers involved are held accountable for their actions. The Nigeria Army’s commitment to transparency and accountability in this matter will play a crucial role in rebuilding public trust and confidence in the institution.

Full-Scale Investigation and Assurance of Sanctions

Maj.-Gen. Jamaal Abdulsalam, in his capacity as the General Officer Commanding and Land Component Commander of Joint Task Force, South South, Operation Delta Safe, has directed a full-scale investigation into the incident. This move underscores the seriousness with which the army views the actions of the implicated soldiers. The assurance of sanctions against those involved further demonstrates the military’s commitment to upholding its professional standards and maintaining the public’s trust.

The army’s proactive response to the incident reflects a determination to root out any form of misconduct and ensure that the reputation of the Nigeria Army remains untarnished. As the investigation progresses, the public awaits the outcome, hopeful that justice will be served and that this incident will serve as a deterrent to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The incident also raises broader questions about the need for continuous training and monitoring of military personnel to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and respect for human rights.