The Nigerian Army has issued a response to a viral audiovisual recording circulating on social media, depicting soldiers protesting against overcrowded cells and poor feeding conditions at the 8 Division Garrison detention facility in Sokoto barracks.
In a statement released by the Army Headquarters, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, addressed the incident, calling it unfortunate and an embarrassment to the administration efforts of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
“While the service regrets and has gleaned some lessons from the incident, it will however not condone the manner the inmates expressed their purported grievance,” Major General Nwachukwu stated.
He emphasized that mutiny and conduct prejudicial to service order are grievous misconducts, and the incident epitomized such behaviour. However, the Army has initiated an investigation to determine the extent of the situation in similar detention facilities.
“The Service shall not shy away from appropriately sanctioning the soldiers involved in the unruly behaviour,” he added.
Acknowledging the oversight engagements by statutory bodies, Major General Nwachukwu reiterated the Army’s commitment to maintaining professional standards and ensuring that even detainees found guilty of aiding criminals receive humane treatment until their judgment is confirmed and executed.
Nwachukwu said, “While the Service is mindful of its subjective oversight engagements by statutory bodies, it remains primarily a responsible, self-regulating professional body. As such, the Service remains committed to ensuring that everyone, even those found guilty of aiding terrorists, kidnappers, and bandits, and are awaiting confirmation of their sentencing, as it has been discovered in the Sokoto case is accorded a relatively decent life until their judgment is confirmed and executed. This commitment underscores the NA’s dedication to upholding professional standards and maintaining a just and fair system.”
The statement concluded, “The NA appreciates all Nigerians for their concern and support as well as pledge to remain focused on its drive to defeat security challenges facing the nation.”
The response from the Nigerian Army comes amidst growing concerns over the treatment of detainees and underscores the military’s commitment to upholding discipline and professionalism while addressing internal challenges.