•The torture video
The Authorities of 6 Division, Nigerian Army says it has arrested two personnel who were seen in a viral torture video in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The 31 second clip showed two soldiers beating a shirtless young man with belt, reports The Nation.
A statement by the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, condemned the act, describing it as unfortunate and unprofessional of the soldiers.
Danjuma noted that the General Officer Commanding 6 Div, Major General Jamal Abdulssalam has directed that proper investigation be carried out, assuring that the officers if found wanting would be punished accordingly.
The Division appealed to the public to continue to expose unprofessional conducts of personnel within and outside the state.
The statement said: “the Headquarters, 6 Division, Nigerian Army viewed with utmost dismay the unprofessional conduct of two of its personnel involved in the brutality of a civilian in Rivers state, in a viral video making the rounds in the social media.
“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 Nigerian Army remains a professional force that conducts its activities in adherence to established rules of engagement and respect for the fundamental human rights of the citizenry. Thus, no form of infraction would be condoned from erring personnel.
“The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army/Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force, South South, Operation Delta Safe, Major General Jamal Abdussalam has directed that a full scale investigation be conducted immediately.
“He has further reassured that no stone will be left unturned to sanction those involved.
“Well meaning members of the public are encouraged to continue to provide credible information on such unprofessional conducts, as the Division is poised to be more responsive to the public.
“This is one unfortunate isolated case that would be expeditiously dealt with.”