The Nigerian Army on Tuesday began an investigation into the assault of a civilian and two personnel in Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area, as well as civilians along the Nsukka–Igbo-Eze South Road in Enugu State.
Although the reason for the personnel’s behaviour was not disclosed, a viral video showed soldiers in full camouflage ordering an unidentified man dressed in blue jeans and a red jersey singlet to swim in a flooded, dirty waterway as vehicles passed.
Captions accompanying the video alleged that the commercial driver was punished for splashing water on the personnel.
The Instagram page people_of_enugu posted the video with the caption: “Nigerian soldiers force a driver, who mistakenly splashed water on them due to bad road, to swim in dirty water at Enugu road, Nsukka, as a form of punishment.”
The 82 Division of the Nigerian Army confirmed that the incident occurred during a routine security check.
Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Ayeni, said a thorough investigation had been launched to establish the facts and that the outcome would be made public.
He wrote, “The Nigerian Army has noted a recent social media video of an encounter between its personnel deployed in the Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area and civilians along the Nsukka-Igbo Eze South Road in Enugu State.
“The incident occurred during a routine security check. While such checks are crucial to enhancing security, the Division takes all reports of misconduct by its personnel seriously.
“Accordingly, a thorough investigation has been instituted to establish the facts surrounding the incident and the outcome will be made public.
“It is pertinent to add that appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken by military regulations if the personnel are found guilty.”
Ayeni further reassured Enugu residents and the general public of the Army’s commitment to carrying out its constitutional duties with professionalism and strict adherence to the Rules of Engagement and Code of Conduct.
He also stated that the Division remains committed to transparency and accountability in its operations to foster positive civil-military relations.
“We therefore appreciate the public’s vigilance and the media’s role in bringing the issue to our attention,” he noted.
