The authorities of the Nigerian Army have apprehended some soldiers who were photographed torturing a suspected armed robber at Mararaba, Nasarawa State, near Abuja.
The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, said in an electronic mail on Monday that the Army would ensure that the soldiers involved were punished.
He said the photograph of a soldier flogging a naked robbery suspect, which appeared on the front page of major national newspapers and other social media platforms, had done serious damage to the image of the service.
Usman said the action of the soldiers contradicted the ethics of the military tradition and professionalism in the service.
He said the Army authorities have identified the soldiers and would administer the necessary punishment on them.
“The attention of The Nigerian Army has been drawn to a front page photograph of some soldiers maltreating a suspected robber at Mararraba, Nasarawa State, on the front page of today’s edition of Daily Trust newspaper.
“Sadly, it is also trending on the Social Media. There is no doubt the photograph has done incalculable damage to the image of the service. The act was unfortunate and at variance with military ethics and professionalism.
“The Nigerian Army wishes to inform the public that the perpetrators of the offence have been identified, summoned and would face disciplinary action.”
Usman said the Army had also contacted the newspaper over the prominence accorded the worrisome picture.
He stressed that steps should have been taken to alert the Army authorities to the development instead of putting the picture on the paper’s cover.
He assured the citizenry of the determination of the Army to respect human rights in its operation.
He appealed to the public not to use the ugly incidence to judge the service.
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