The Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, has announced the commencement of an investigation into allegations of misconduct involving some of its personnel following concerns raised by management of the Osun State University, UNIOSUN, and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), South-West Zone D.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by Major Yahaya Ibrahim, Army Public Relations Officer, Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, the Army said the Commandant of the Depot had taken note of the press release by NANS alleging misconduct by some army personnel and pledged that the matter would be thoroughly investigated.
The statement stressed that the Nigerian Army exists to protect all citizens, particularly young people, describing them as the future of the nation.
It added that any behaviour falling short of that responsibility was unacceptable and inconsistent with the Army’s mandate.
According to the statement, “No student or law-abiding citizen should ever feel unsafe or be subjected to harassment, intimidation or assault by those entrusted with the security of lives and property.”
The Army disclosed that “the Commandant had ordered an investigation in line with military regulations and the values of the Nigerian Army to establish the facts surrounding the incident and ensure that any perpetrators are brought to justice.”
The Depot also called on the South-West Coordinator of NANS, Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, to provide all available evidence and witness statements to assist investigators in conducting a comprehensive inquiry.
It stated that “the alleged actions of the personnel involved did not reflect the standard of training or the character development expected of recruits at the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo.£
The statement which assured the public that any personnel found culpable would face the full weight of military law, added that accountability remained a priority for the institution.
Earlier, DAILY POST reported that UNIOSUN has formally reported an alleged attack on its students by soldiers from the Army Depot, Osogbo.
It was gathered that soldiers allegedly invaded the halls of residence, assaulted students and made away with over 60 mobile phones and other electronic gadgets belonging to the students.
Also, the Osun State chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ, called for the immediate dismissal and prosecution of Nigerian Army recruits allegedly involved in the reported rape of female students of Osun State University, Osogbo.
NAWOJ called on the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, to ensure that any recruits found culpable are summarily dismissed from military service in accordance with the regulations governing the conduct of personnel.