The Nigerian Army has detained a soldier, Private Christopher Emmanuel, over allegations of assaulting a female vendor identified as Doshima in Kula, Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State.
The arrest was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by Capt. Abdullahi Osabo, the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 401 Special Forces Brigade, Makurdi. The incident, which allegedly occurred on May 6 and was reported two days later, is currently under investigation by the Headquarters of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS).
Preliminary findings suggest that the altercation may have been triggered by a disagreement over an unpaid debt. Reports allege that the soldier claimed the vendor insulted him during a phone conversation, which possibly escalated into a physical confrontation.
“Private Christopher Emmanuel is currently in custody, and a thorough investigation will be conducted to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident,”;; Osabo stated.
He emphasized the Nigerian Army’s commitment to upholding human rights and maintaining discipline among its personnel.
“The Nigerian Army has zero tolerance for human rights abuses and will take disciplinary action based on findings of the investigation. The leadership of the Nigerian Army assures the general public and the victim that justice will be served in line with the military’s high standards,”;; he said.
OPWS condemned the alleged assault and reiterated its stance against any form of indiscipline or abuse by its personnel. Osabo also urged members of the public to channel complaints of misconduct through the Army’s Human Rights Desk helpline rather than social media, assuring that all reports are treated with seriousness and followed up with appropriate action.
