Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, has ordered an immediate investigation into an incident at the Command Secondary School, Iyana Ipaja.
This directive comes in response to a protest by civilian staff of the Ministry of Defence, organized under the Joint Executive Council, over the alleged brutalization of their members by soldiers.
According to Didam Joel, President of the Council, a civilian staff member of the ministry has been detained by military authorities for a month, despite not being military personnel.
Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, stated on Tuesday that the Chief of Army Staff, committed to upholding the rights of all personnel, including civilian staff, has instructed the Provost Marshal (Army) to carry out a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident at Command Secondary School Iyana Ipaja, Lagos.
The investigation aims to address all allegations raised by the ASCSN, ensuring accountability and justice for all parties involved.
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“The Nigerian Army (NA) recognizes the vital role that civilian staff play in supporting its operations and day-to-day administration and is therefore dedicated to fostering a positive and respectful working environment for all personnel.
“While acknowledging that misunderstandings or miscommunication may occur, the ongoing investigation aims to provide clarity and implement necessary measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“The NA is committed to upholding the rule of law and respect for the rights of all its employees, including the fundamental rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining.” The statement said
“Currently, the NA is actively engaging with the Ministry of Defence and the ASCSN to address any outstanding issues and promote a cordial working relationship and industrial harmony. The NA strongly believes that open communication and collaboration are key to resolving challenges, and is fully committed to maintaining these principles.
“As the investigation progresses, the NA urges all parties to refrain from making premature judgments or spreading misinformation. Trust in the process is essential, and the NA is confident that the investigation will provide a clear and accurate understanding of the situation to facilitate appropriate and fair actions.
“We appreciate the patience and understanding of all stakeholders, as we diligently work to address these concerns,”the statement added.
