The 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, has commenced investigation into the authenticity of the alleged footage in which soldiers were seen torturing men believed to be members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Aba, Abia state.
Recall that a video clip had emerged online yesterday showing soldiers dehumanizing some IPOB members at a check point in Aba, Abia State.
Reacting to the video clip, the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Col. Sagir Musa, soldiers captured in the clip will be dealt with in accordance with Military justice system, if indicted.
In a statement issued in Enugu, on Thursday, Musa noted that IPOB was using “manipulated” pictures and videos to push their separatist agenda and misinform the public.
“The attention of the Headquarters, 82 Division, Nigerian Army, has been drawn to a video clip trending on social media and other platforms purportedly showing troops humiliating some people at a check point in Abia State, Nigeria.
“The issue is being investigated with the view to ascertain the source and the actors in the clip.
“Our Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement are quite clear and any officer or soldier that infringed on any of such directive, if found guilty, will face full wrath of the military justice system.
”We would like to inform the public that 82 Division is also aware of the planned misinformation and propaganda arrangement by the secessionists, Indigenous People of Biafra.
“They intend to churn out pre-recorded video clips aimed at discrediting the Nigerian Army, causing disaffection among the citizens of this country.
“They will be using bogus, manipulated and photo-shopped photographs as well as video clips.
“The public should be wary of such mischief, scrutinize and report same to the Nigerian Army or any of security agencies.
“The Division wishes to reassure the public that it is determined to ensuring the safety of lives and properties in its area of operational responsibility, particularly in the entire South-East geo-political zone as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“We do not condone any act of indiscipline in the conduct of our operations and training exercises.
“Any claim of rights violation would be investigated and when confirmed, appropriate disciplinary actions would be taken against the erring personnel,” he said.
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