The Nigerian Army on Sunday said a trending video showing a soldier molesting a civilian wearing its desert camouflage uniform is an old video.
In the video, two soldiers were dragging and beating a young man in camouflage with a belt and a cane.
In a statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Maj-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu said the incident happened in 2021 and the soldier in question had been appropriately published for the offence.
He said, “The Nigerian Army has noted the recent circulation of an old video depicting a soldier molesting a civilian for wearing a Nigerian Army Desert Camouflage uniform.
“The NA wishes to clarify that this video footage is a stale audio-visual being recirculated by individuals or content creators either bereft of content or with malicious intent to create tension between the military and the civilian populace.
“The unfortunate incident in question occurred in 2021, and the NA took immediate and decisive action at that time. The soldier involved was arrested, tried and appropriately punished for his unacceptable behaviour, which violated the core values of the Nigerian Army, particularly the respect for others and their fundamental rights.”
Onyema stated that there is currently a ban on the use of the service’s uniform by citizens who are not Army personnel.
He added that in the country, only the military and police officers are permitted to wear camouflage.
Onyema stated, “The NA wishes to reiterate that the ban on the unauthorised use of military camouflage remains in full effect. Only personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the Nigeria Police Force are legally permitted to wear military camouflage.
“This regulation becomes expedient as terrorists, insurgents and other imposters have often exploited the misuse of military camouflage to commit heinous crimes against unsuspecting members of the public, thereby posing significant security threats.”
“The NA remains committed to upholding the law and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens,” the statement concluded.
