COAS Orders Investigation Into Alleged Soldier Brutality Against Civilian Workers

COAS Orders Investigation Into Alleged Soldier Brutality Against Civilian WorkersLieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has taken decisive steps to address allegations of civilian worker mistreatment at Command Secondary School Iyana Ipaja, following concerns raised by the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Recently, civilian staff from the Ministry of Defence, part of the Joint Executive Council, protested against alleged brutalization by soldiers. Didam Joel, the Council President, reported that a civilian ministry staff member had been detained by military authorities for a month, despite not being military personnel. Additionally, an assistant director at Command Secondary School in Lagos was reportedly brutalized in violation of civil service rules.

In response, the COAS reaffirmed his commitment to protecting the rights of all personnel, including civilian staff. He directed the Provost Marshal (Army) to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident, addressing all ASCSN allegations and ensuring accountability and justice.

A statement by Director of Army Public Relations, Onyema Nwachukwu, emphasized the Nigerian Army’s recognition of civilian employees’ contributions and its commitment to fostering a respectful and constructive environment. Lagbaja acknowledged possible communication issues and noted that the current investigation aims to provide clarity and prevent future occurrences.

The Nigerian Army is dedicated to upholding the rule of law and respecting all employees’ rights, including the rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining. Active engagement with the Ministry of Defence and ASCSN is ongoing to resolve issues and promote a harmonious working relationship.

The Army urged all parties to avoid premature judgments or misinformation, emphasizing the importance of trusting the investigative process to ensure fair and appropriate actions. The statement concluded with an appreciation for the patience and understanding of all stakeholders as the investigation proceeds.