…as AHQ condemns unwarranted attacks on Army personnel
By Victor Akaa
The Army Headquarters (AHQ) said a swift joint intervention by the Nigerian Army (NA) soldiers and policemen saved the NA personnel from being lynched by hoodlums during a vicious attack at Banex Plaza in Abuja on Saturday, May 18, 2024.
Director Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu in a statement on Tuesday said, the soldiers, who were unarmed and posed no threat, were brutally assaulted by the hoodlums.
“It is important to note that the soldiers attacked were unarmed, did not engage in any form of aggression, and posed no threat to anyone. Therefore, the cruel treatment meted out to them was entirely unwarranted and unjustifiable,” he stated.
General Nwachukwu averred that the AHQ swiftly responded, hence a meeting was held with the plaza management to identify and apprehend the perpetrators, leading to a temporary closure of the plaza for investigations.
He said the Nigerian Army condemns this unwarranted attack, stressing that such acts can compromise national security and degenerate into lawlessness.
“This investigation ultimately aims at ensuring the security of the Federal Capital Territory and to prevent such unwarranted attacks on own personnel and other security operatives, as has been observed in other areas, such as the unfortunate attack in Okuama,” he added.
The Army urges the public to exercise restraint and report grievances through established channels, ensuring respect for personnel who serve and protect the nation.
“The NA enjoins members of the public to exercise caution and restraint in dealing with military personnel and other security operatives, especially when they are in uniform. There are established channels through which grievances or misconduct by personnel could be reported to the appropriate authorities. These channels must be utilized to maintain order and respect for those who serve and protect our nation.”
According to the statement, a thorough investigation is ongoing to determine the causes of the incident and ensure the security of the Federal Capital Territory.
