Army Orders Probe Of Soldiers For Brutalising Civilian Staff

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has ordered a thorough investigation into the treatment of civilian workers at the Command Secondary School in Iyana Ipaja, Lagos State.

The order was a response to allegations of soldiers brutalising civilians.

According to reports, an assistant director working at Command Secondary School in Ojo, Lagos, was brutalised on Monday by lawless soldiers, which disregarded civil service rules.

The action made civilian staff of the Ministry of Defence, under the Joint Executive Council shut the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

READ: Tinubu Makes New Appointments In Police Force (See Full List)

The army chief, Lagbaja directed the Provost Marshal (Army) to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the allegations of soldiers brutalising civilians.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, disclosed that the investigation would comprehensively address all allegations raised with a focus on ensuring accountability and justice for all parties involved.

The statement read: “The Nigerian Army (NA) recognizes the vital role that civilian staff play in supporting its operations and day-to-day administration and is therefore dedicated to fostering a positive and respectful working environment for all personnel. While acknowledging that misunderstandings or miscommunication may occur, the ongoing investigation aims to provide clarity and implement necessary measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.”

According to him, “Currently, the NA is actively engaging with the Ministry of Defence and the ASCSN to address any outstanding issues and promote a cordial working relationship and industrial harmony. The NA strongly believes that open communication and collaboration are key to resolving challenges, and is fully committed to maintaining these principles.

“As the investigation progresses, the NA urges all parties to refrain from making premature judgments or spreading misinformation. Trust in the process is essential, and the NA is confident that the investigation will provide a clear and accurate understanding of the situation to facilitate appropriate and fair actions.

“We appreciate the patience and understanding of all stakeholders, as we diligently work to address these concerns,” he said.