The Nigerian Army High Command, Thursday, assured that it will not cover up the dehumanizing way a female soldier treated a member of the National Youth Corps (NYSC) in Calabar, Cross River State.
A Nigerian journalist and human rights activist, Agba Jalingo, had shared a video on his Facebook page showing the officer pouring an unknown white substance on the kneeling corps member after which she hit her with a bowl.
The activist wrote: “#JusticeForIfenyinwa. This is what a commissioned female Army officer, Lt. Chika Viola Anele, did to a youth corps member, Ezeiruaku Ifeyinwa Fidelia, serving at the 13 Brigade headquarters in Calabar after having an argument,”
“We understand that the leadership in 13 Brigade are working to kill the matter. Let us make the officer very popular for all the wrong reasons. Share the video until it gets to the Chief of Army Staff and that Chika girl is brought to book.”
In a statement by the Nigerian Army, it condemned in strong terms the incident and assured that the female officer seen in the video clip dehumanizing a female Corp member will be dealt with, even as he noted that the culprit has been identified and sanctioned.
Army spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, in the statement condemned the act, describing it as unprofessional and against established precepts of discipline in the Nigerian Army.
He dismissed attempt to cover up the disgraceful act, adding that she would also face regimental orders (trial) in line with the laid down provisions.
The statement reads: “The NA condemns in strong terms, this act of gross misconduct. Undoubtedly, the officer’s actions have caused the NA monumental embarrassment and is highly regrettable.
“This unfortunate act of indiscipline does not in anyway 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 further wishes to tender unreserved apology to the victim, her family members, friends, National Youth Service Corps and to Nigerians in general for the unwholesome treatment meted out to the Corps member”.