The Nigerian Army (NA) has said it is displeased over a video footage making the rounds on social media showing a its female officer dehumanizating of a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Calabar, Cross River State.
The female officer in the video footage was seen pouring a bowl of unknown substance on the victim, who was kneeling and after which, she hit her with the bowl.
It was gathered that the female officer had dehumanized the victim, identified as Ezeiruaku Ifeyinwa after an alleged argument.
However, the Nigerian Army in a statement through its spokespersn, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu said the act is not only condemnable but unprofessional and against established ethics of its discipline.
It explained that it remains a symbol of national unity that has consistently been in the vanguard of respect for the fundamental human rights of the citizenry.
According to the statement, “It is against this premise that the NA condemns this unimaginable level of the infraction by a personnel in its ranks. The NA, therefore, condemns, in strong terms this act of gross misconduct. Undoubtedly, the officer’s actions have caused the NA monumental embarrassment and is highly regrettable.
“This unfortunate act of indiscipline does not in any way represent the NA and will not be condoned in its entirety. For the records, the ugly incident happened in 13 Brigade, Calabar. The Brigade Commander immediately instituted an investigation, and the officer involved has been identified and sanctioned in the interim and would be made to undergo regimental orders (trial) in line with the extant provisions of the Armed Forces Act.”
The Army further debunked claims that the Brigade attempted to cover up the incident, explaining that as a professional force, it has zero-tolerance for indiscipline amongst its personnel.
“The NA wishes to reiterate and assure the general public that such infractions would not be tolerated from its personnel.
“The NA also reassures that the rights of the citizenry are sacrosanct and must be respected by all personnel of the NA, as any form of infraction will be severely dealt with.
“Therefore, the general public is enjoined to continue to report such infractions, as Human Rights Desks in all formations of the NA are emplaced to deal decisively with such erring personnel.
“The NA further wishes to tender an unreserved apology to the victim, her family members, friends, National Youth Service Corps, and Nigerians in general for the unwholesome treatment meted out to the Corps member.”
