August 20, 2023

The Nigerian Army (NA) says it has commenced investigation into the alleged death of one Mr. Lawal who was said to have been killed by some persons in military uniform on 17th August, 2023.

In a statement by Olabisi Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations on Sunday, in as much as information into the allegation is still scanty at the moment, being a responsible organisation, Headquarters 81 Division Nigerian Army considered it appropriate to bring the occurrence to public notice and the steps taken to identify the alleged persons in military uniform, believed to be soldiers, and bring them to justice, if truly they are serving soldiers.

According to the statement, the Division is currently carrying out investigation in conjunction with the Nigerian Police Lagos State Command to unravel the identity of the alleged suspects and the circumstances surrounding the alleged unfortunate incident.

The army noted that at the end of the investigation, “if the suspects are identified as serving soldiers, they will be made to face the full wrath of both military and civil laws”.

“While the matter is under investigation, Headquarters 81 Division requests the family of the deceased to exercise patience and wait for the outcome of the investigation as whosever is found wanting will be made to face disciplinary action”.

“The Nigerian Army has zero tolerance for troops’ misconduct or involvement of its personnel in any form of criminality, hence, will not allow this allegation to go unravelled.

“Consequently, the General Officer Commanding 81 Division NA, Maj Gen  Usman, commiserates with the family of the victim while promising that justice would be served accordingly. He assures the family of the deceased that whosoever killed their loved one will not be allowed to go unpunished”.