The Nigerian Army said it will investigate the allegations that troops from the 1 Division were involved in the deaths of three civilians and several cattle during a recent operation in Sabon Birni, Igabi Local Government Area, Kaduna State. The disturbing report, which surfaced on various mainstream and social media platforms, included graphic images and video footage of the alleged incident.
In response, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, stated, “The Nigerian Army sympathizes with the Sabon Birni community and the families of those affected. We wish to assure the public that these allegations will be thoroughly investigated, and any personnel found culpable will be appropriately sanctioned.”
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He further emphasized the Army’s commitment to its constitutional mandate, adding, “The Nigerian Army, which is constitutionally mandated to protect the lives and property of citizens, cannot tolerate doing otherwise.”
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, has ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine the immediate and remote causes of the incident. “We appeal for calm and assure the general public that the outcome of the investigation will be made public,” Nwachukwu concluded.