The Nigerian Army has officially responded to a widely circulated audio-visual recording that appears to show a senior Army officer and two other soldiers engaging in an altercation with a man and a woman in Abuja.
Taking to its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the Army announced that the Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has directed an immediate investigation into the incident.
According to the statement signed by Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, the incident has raised public concern, but the circumstances surrounding it remain unclear. The Army’s leadership has vowed to unravel the truth behind the confrontation and determine the appropriate course of action.
“The attention of the Nigerian Army (NA) has been drawn to a viral audio-visual recording circulating on social media platforms, purportedly showing a senior Army officer and two other soldiers in an altercation with a man and woman within the Abuja metropolis. The Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has ordered an immediate investigation to unravel the true circumstances surrounding this altercation,” the statement read.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its dedication to upholding its constitutional mandate to serve and protect all law-abiding citizens. “The NA remains committed to serving and protecting all law-abiding Nigerians as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Therefore, we urge the public to be rest assured that due diligence will be applied to reach a logical conclusion on this matter,” it added.
The video, which has sparked widespread debate across social media, has reignited discussions on military-civilian relations and the conduct of security personnel in public spaces. Observers have commended the Army’s prompt response and its assurance of transparency in addressing the issue.
This investigation aligns with the Nigerian Army’s ongoing efforts to maintain professionalism within its ranks and foster public trust. The findings of the probe, once concluded, are expected to be made public, showcasing the Army’s commitment to accountability and justice.
For now, Nigerians await the outcome of the investigation, with hopes that the matter will be resolved fairly and swiftly.
ONYEMA NWACHUKWU
Major General
Director Army Public Relations
19 November 2024
PIONEER NEWS 