The Nigerian Army on Wednesday said it has arrested two soldiers who brutalised a physically challenged man in Onitsha for allegedly wearing a military camouflage shirt.
In a video that has gone viral on social media, the two soldiers are seen dragging a crippled man on the ground while brutally flogging him.
They equally took the crippled man’s wheelchair, threw it away and then descended on him while passersby looked on helplessly.
This led to a backlash against the armed forces, with Nigerians fearing a return to the dark days of military dictatorship.
A statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman said the two soldiers have equally been charged for assault by their Commanding Officer.
It, however, enjoined the general public to regard the incident as an isolated case which does not reflect the true image of the Nigerian Army.
“The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to a video clip in which two soldiers were seen maltreating a physically challenged person for allegedly wearing a camouflage shirt,” the statement began.
“We wish to inform the public that the incident took place on Tuesday 7th February 2017, at Onitsha, Anambra State.
“In line with our zero tolerance for acts of indiscipline and unprofessional conducts especially in relation to violation of human rights, we wish to further state that the soldiers involved have since been identified and apprehended.
“They have also been charged for assault by their Commanding Officer.
“Similarly, troops have been warned to desist from such acts that infringe on human rights and cast serious aspersions on the good image of the Nigerian Army.”
“The public should please regard this ugly incident as an isolated case which is not true reflection of the Nigerian Army.
“Thank you for your kind cooperation.”
