The Nigerian Army has apprehended two soldiers who were captured on film torturing a half-naked guy in a Port Harcourt hotel.
In the footage that went viral on Tuesday, the troops were shown torturing the victim with belts.
It elicited strong protests from Nigerians, who demanded that the soldiers be arrested and prosecuted.
Lt.-Col. Danjuma Danjuma, Acting Deputy Director Public Relations, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, confirmed the troops’ arrests in a statement released in Port Harcourt on Thursday.
He stated that the Army was troubled by the viral video and had taken steps to punish the soldiers involved.
He said:
“We view with utmost dismay the unprofessional conduct of two of our personnel involved in the brutality of a civilian in Rivers state – in a video making the round.
“It is instructive to mention that the soldiers involved in that unprofessional conduct have been clearly identified and arrested.
“The Division wishes to unequivocally state that the Nigeria Army remain a professional force that conducts its activities in adherence to established rules of engagement.
“To this end, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Nigeria Army, Maj.-Gen. Jamaal Abdulsalam, has directed a full-scale investigation to be conducted immediately.
“The GOC, who is also the Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force, South South, Operation Delta Safe, further reassured that those involved will be sanctioned.
“So, we encourage members of the public to continue to provide credible information about such unprofessional conduct, as the Division is responsive to the public.”
cc: Daily Post Ng
