EDITORIAL: Army Recruits On The Rampage
We must praise the valiant officers of the Nigerian Army who over decades, starting from their origins as The West Africa Frontier Force across duty tours all over the world have always made us all very proud.
The very high standards of the Nigerian Army must be maintained, if possible enhanced for in the foreseeable future the current challenges will be lingering on. We must be prepared.
To be prepared means getting it right at the base and this means getting it right at the level of recruiting and selection. Getting it right starts from this in any Organisation.
It is therefore disturbing to hear that some Recruits went on the rampage attacking innocent students of the Osun State University, Osogbo within the premises of their private halls of accomodations.
Reports say that personal effects such as cell phones were snatched and the stalls of traders were raided.
We demand a full investigation on this incident.
The investigation must be speedy, thorough and transparent. This will reassure all stakeholders. Whatever the outcome, the method of recruiting and selection must be overhauled for there is something very wrong about the present methods.
A Nigerian Army long associated with fine gentlemen officers competitive against the finest in the world must not lower its guard at this critical juncture the process must be overhauled .
There must be no place for misfits as this will erode operational effectiveness and imperils all.
After the enquiry the students as well as the affected traders must be compensated and a letter of apology issued.
As for the Recruits engaging in nefarious activities they must pay the penalty and swiftly disengage with impunity.
The deterrence is very much needed to maintain order and standards as well as closure to this sad incident.
