Press Release:
“The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to a video clip in which two soldiers were seen maltreating a physically challenged person for allegedly wearing a camouflage shirt.
“We wish to inform the public that the incident took place on Tuesday 7th February 2017, at Onitsha, Anambra State.
“In line with our zero tolerance for acts of indiscipline and unprofessional conducts especially in relation to violation of human rights, we wish to further state that the soldiers involved have since been identified and apprehended.
“They have also been charged for assault by their Commanding Officer. Similarly, troops have been warned to desist from such acts that infringe on human rights and cast serious aspersions on the good image of the Nigerian Army.
“The public should please regard this ugly incident as an isolated case which is not true reflection of the Nigerian Army.”
Director, Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Sani Usman.
Kudos to the Nigerian military leadership for acting swiftly, and through such swift action, emphasized to soldiers that criminal behaviors, even against civilians, will no longer be tolerated. Having said so though, the military should have charged these criminal soldiers before the courts of law, not before their commander who might give them a slap on the wrist. Their crime was against a physically disabled civilian outside of the military barracks in violation of the Nigerian constitution, not against their fellow soldier. Therefore, the courts should hear their case and punish them if necessary. Having violated the most basic fundamental right of a physically disabled citizen (right not to be tortured), these military police officers should immediately be thrown out of the military before even receiving any punishment for their cold crime.
It’s about time justice is done and served in this type of situation that has befallen Nigeria for a long time. Many Nigerians have suffered tremendously in the hands of “rogue” soldiers; and in many they are simply referred to as “boys” and not punished for their criminal behavior.
It’s indeed about time. I hope this kind of response to a foolish and criminal act continue to face these militarized vagabonds.