The Nigerian Army has announced that it will conduct a thorough investigation into allegations that troops from the 1st Division of the Nigerian Army were involved in the killing of three residents and 100 cattle in Sabon Birni, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
News About Nigeria reports that this follows the circulation of photographs and videos on social media depicting alleged killings by military personnel.
In response, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, issued a statement on Thursday, confirming that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
“The Nigerian Army has taken note of a troubling news report featuring graphic images and video footage circulating on mainstream and social media platforms.
“The reports allege that troops from the 1 Division were responsible for the deaths of three individuals and several cattle during a recent operation in Sabon Birni, Igabi Local Government Area, Kaduna State,” Nwachukwu stated.
While expressing sympathy for the Sabon Birni community and the families of those affected, Nwachukwu emphasised the Army’s commitment to investigating the matter thoroughly.
“Any personnel found guilty will be appropriately sanctioned,” he added.
Nwachukwu also reiterated that the Nigerian Army is constitutionally mandated to protect the lives and property of citizens and does not condone actions contrary to this responsibility.
“It is also necessary to add that the NA, which is constitutionally mandated to protect lives and property of the citizenry, can not tolerate doing otherwise.”
The Chief of Army Staff has ordered a detailed investigation aimed at determining the immediate and remote causes of the incident and identifying those responsible.
The Army has appealed for calm and assured the public that the findings of the investigation will be made public.
