Army Vows To Punish Officer Seen Assaulting Female Corps Member in a Viral Video

By Bashir Hassan Abubakar 

 

The Nigerian Army has promised to punish a female soldier seen in a viral video assaulting a female youth corps member in uniform in Calabar, Cross Rivers State.

The video of the soldier identified as Lt. Chika Viola Anele assaulting the corp member, Ezeiruaku Ifeyinwa Fidelia, had surfaced online and triggered nationwide outrage.

Activist Agba Jalingo, who shared the video, had said the corp member was assaulted after she disagreed with the Lieutenant.

The soldier was seen in the video pouring muddy water on the corp member, said to be serving at the 13 Brigade headquarters in Calabar.

Reacting to the viral video, the Director of Army Public Relations, Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement, disclosed that the officer has been identified and will face trial for her action.

Describing the act as unprofessional, the Army stated it was against established precepts of discipline in the service.

He said the Brigade Commander had immediately instituted an investigation and the officer involved has been identified and sanctioned in the interim.

Onyema, however, apologised to the victim for the assault she suffered.

”Undoubtedly, the officer’s actions have caused the NA monumental embarrassment and is highly regrettable. This unfortunate act of indiscipline does not in any way 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 by 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,” the statement read partly.

Onyema further urged Nigerians to report any indiscipline meted by members of the military."