The Nigerian Army says it will investigate the alleged maltreatment of an unnamed female soldier by some senior officers as she alleged in a video currently trending on social media.
In the video, the lady listed two Colonels and a Brigadier-General as her tormentors in the force, though she did not give any concrete evidence on any, or say what one colonel and the brigadier-general did.
She also claims she has been denied her salary in the last 12 months. Below is the video.
But the Army appears to be taking the allegations seriously, apparently because it is trending on social media. Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director, Army Public Relations, in a statement on Friday, said the Army as a disciplined force, will conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.
But he proceeded to castigate the lady, even when he said investigations would be conducted.
“It is crucial to point out that, contrary to the claims made in the video, the soldier in question has not exhausted the laid-down procedure for seeking redress in the Nigerian Army.
“This is aside from the Human Rights and Gender Desks established in Army Headquarters and across NA formations, where complaints about human rights and gender issues are also entertained.” It said
According to the statement, the NA remains a professional force that self-regulates and conducts its activities in adherence to established rules and ethics while upholding the highest standards of discipline amongst personnel.
The statement further encouraged all personnel to always utilise the established channels for addressing grievances and concerns as members of a noble and disciplined force.
It assured the general public that the NA as an institution is committed to upholding the integrity and morals of its personnel, and as such, appropriate actions will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.
It urged the public to allow the investigative process to take its course and refrain from making hasty judgments, adding that the NA remains dedicated to serving the country with honour and integrity.
