Nigerian Army to Investigate Female Soldier’s Allegations Against Senior Officers

• The Nigerian Army vows a thorough investigation into a female soldier’s harassment allegations, emphasizing adherence to established procedures for redress
• Maj. Gen. Nwachukwu Onyema assures public commitment to professionalism and ethics, urging patience for the investigation’s findings on the soldier’s allegations

The Nigerian Army has announced its commitment to a thorough investigation into allegations made by a female soldier in Lagos State. In a viral video, the soldier accused senior male officers, including Col. IB Abdulkareem, Col. GS Ogor, and Brig. Gen. IB Solebo, of maltreatment and harassment since her posting to Cantonment Medical Centre, Ojo, Lagos, in 2022.

The soldier claimed she faced oppression for rejecting sexual advances, stating that she had been subjected to unwarranted confinement, eviction from her residence, and even institutionalized in a psychiatric hospital without medication. Furthermore, she alleged her bank account had been frozen since February 2023, leaving her without salary.

In response, Maj. Gen. Nwachukwu Onyema, the Director of Army Public Relations, issued a statement on Friday assuring the public that a comprehensive investigation would be conducted. He emphasized the importance of following established procedures for seeking redress within the Nigerian Army, highlighting the existence of Human Rights and Gender Desks in Army Headquarters and formations to address such issues.

Contrary to the claims in the video, Onyema noted that the soldier had not exhausted the official channels for addressing grievances. He urged personnel to utilize these channels, emphasizing the Army’s commitment to professionalism, self-regulation, and adherence to established rules and ethics.

Assuring the public that appropriate actions would be taken based on the investigation’s findings, Onyema called for patience and refraining from hasty judgments. The Nigerian Army reiterated its dedication to upholding the integrity and morals of its personnel, emphasizing its commitment to serving the nation with honor and integrity.