Two soldiers torturing Rivers man in viral video arrested

The Headquarters of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, said it has arrested two personnel seen in a viral video brutalizing a civilian in Rivers State.

The acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Dannuma, disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Wednesday night.

Recall that a popular online media outfit had published a video, where a “half-naked man” was been whipped with belts by two soldiers in a room.

In the video, which had since gone viral, the brutalised youth was heard shouting and pleading with the soldiers that he will confess, but the latter continued manhandling him and even kicked the young man with their boots.

But Lt Col. Dannuma, in the statement, titled: ‘Soldiers Involved in Torture in Viral Video Arrested,’ said the two personnel have been identified and promptly arrested, describing their actions as unprofessional.

Danjuma said the Nigerian Army is a professional force that conducts its activities in line with established rules of engagement and respect for fundamental human rights of the citizenry, hence such infractions would not be condoned from any errant officer.

Sequel to this, he said the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army/Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force, South-South, Operation Delta Safe, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, has ordered that a full scale investigation be conducted immediately.

The statement reads, “The Headquarters, 6 Division, Nigerian Army viewed with utmost dismay the unprofessional conduct of two of its personnel involved in the brutality of a civilian in Rivers State, in a viral video making the rounds in the social media.

“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 Nigerian Army remains a professional force that conducts its activities in adherence to established rules of engagement and respect for the fundamental human rights of the citizenry.

“Thus, no form of infraction would be condoned from erring personnel.

“The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army/Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force, South South, Operation Delta Safe, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, has directed that a full scale investigation be conducted immediately. He has further reassured that no stone will be left unturned to sanction those involved.

“Well-meaning members of the public are encouraged to continue to provide credible information on such unprofessional conducts, as the Division is poised to be more responsive to the public.

“This is one unfortunate isolated case that would be expeditiously dealt with.”