Army arrests two officers for beating civilian in Rivers

The 6 Division of the Nigerian army in Rivers says it has arrested two officers who were seen torturing a man in Port Harcourt.

In a viral video, two men, one in army camouflage and the other wearing a blue T-shirt, could be seen battering a shirtless man with belts and feet as the victim begged for his life.

The act of Soldiers of @HQNigerianArmy torturing this civilian yesterday in Rivers State and filming the same is highly cruel, barbaric and nothing but abuse of Power.

This must be addressed Immediately!

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CC: @DejiAdesogan @HQNigerianArmy @SavvyRinu pic.twitter.com/K2QbRYjkHg

— Samzy (@SamzyVG) January 9, 2024

In a statement on Thursday, Danjuma Danjuma, the acting spokesperson of the division, confirmed the arrest of the officers.

He said Jamaal Abdulsalam, the division’s commander, has also ordered a full-scale investigation into the incident.

“We view with utmost dismay the unprofessional conduct of two of our personnel involved in the brutality of a civilian in Rivers state — in a video making the rounds,” he said.

“It is instructive to mention that the soldiers involved in that unprofessional conduct have been clearly identified and arrested.

“The division wishes to unequivocally state that the Nigeria Army remain a professional force that conducts its activities in adherence to established rules of engagement.

“To this end, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Nigeria Army, Maj.-Gen. Jamaal Abdulsalam, has directed a full-scale investigation to be conducted immediately.

“The GOC, who is also the Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force, South South, Operation Delta Safe, further reassured that those involved will be sanctioned.”