Nigerian Army Fumes, Apologises, Disciplines Female Officer For Assaulting NYSC Member

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigerian Army (NA)  has apologised to a National Youth Service Corps Mrmber who was dehumanised by a Female Officer.

One Lt. Chika Viola Anele was videoed pouring dirty water on Corper Ezeiruaku Ifeyinwa Fidelia, hitting her at the same time, as Ezeiruaku knelt down, helplessly and humiliated.

The unbecoming incident took place at the 13 Brigade, Calabar where Ezeiruaku was posted for her Primary assignment, and Anele a junior officer.

In a statement by its Spokesman, Brigadier- General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Nigerian Army said the incident was

unprofessional and  against established precepts of discipline in the NA.

Brigadier-General Nwachukwu: “NA has remained undoubtedly the pride of the nation, a symbol of national unity that has consistently being in the vanguard of respect for the fundamental human rights of the citizenry.

“It is against this premise that the NA condemns this unimaginable level of infraction by a  personnel in its ranks.

“The NA therefore,  condemns in strong terms, this act of gross misconduct. Undoubtedly, the officer’s actions has caused the NA monumental embarrassment and is highly regrettable.

“This unfortunate act of indiscipline does not in anyway 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 on the interim and would be made to undergo regimental orders (trial) in line with the extant provisions of the Armed Forces Act.

“The submission that the Brigade attempted  covering up was therefore misleading, as the NA remains a professional force that  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 is 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 unreserved apology to the victim, her family members, friends, National Youth Service Corps and to Nigerians in general for the unwholesome treatment meted out to the Corps member.”