The Military has begun an enquiry into allegations of torture of civilians by soldiers on Operation Python Dannce in Abia State. It said that any soldier found to have involved himself in such untoward activities would be dealt with in accordance with military law.
This was contained in a press released in Enugu today by Col Sagir Musa, Deputy Director, Public Relations, 82 Division of the Nigerian Army.
This statement is in response to a video which surfaced on social media, showing troops of the Nigerian Army torturing several young men, believed to be supporters of the Nnamdi Kanu-led IPOB.
The statement By Col. Sagir Musa reads:
“The attention of the Headquarters 82 Division Nigerian Army has been drawn to a video clip trending on social media and other platforms purportedly showing troops humiliating some people at a check point in Abia State, Nigeria.
The issue is being investigated with the view to ascertain the source and the actors in the clip. Our Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement are quite clear and any officer or soldier that infringed on any of such directive if found guilty, will face full wrath of the military justice system.
We would like inform the public that 82 Division is also aware of the planned misinformation and propaganda arrangement by the secessionists Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). They intend to churn out prerecorded video clips aimed at discrediting the Nigerian Army, causing disaffection among the citizens of this country. They will be using bogus, manipulated and photo-shopped photographs as well as video clips.
The public should be wary of such mischief, scrutinize and report same to the Nigerian Army or any of security agencies.
The Division wishes to reassure the public that it is determined to ensuring the safety of lives and properties in its area of operational responsibility, particularly the entire South East geo-political zone as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
We do not condone any act of indiscipline in the conduct of our operations and training exercises. Any claim of rights violation would be investigated and when confirmed, appropriate disciplinary action would be taken against the erring personnel.”
