Abuja, August 22, 2024 – The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has directed a thorough investigation into allegations that soldiers from the Nigerian Army’s 1 Division in Kaduna State were involved in the killing of three villagers and several cattle during a recent operation in Sabon Birni, Igabi Local Government Area.
The allegations, accompanied by graphic images and videos, surfaced on various media platforms, prompting the army to respond. In a statement issued by the Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, the army extended its sympathies to the Sabon Birni community and the families of the victims.
“The Nigerian Army sympathizes with the Sabon Birni community and the families of the affected persons. We assure the public that the allegations will be thoroughly investigated, and any personnel found culpable will be appropriately sanctioned,” Nwachukwu stated.
He emphasized that the army is committed to its constitutional duty to protect lives and property, and cannot tolerate any actions contrary to this mandate. General Lagbaja has ordered an investigation to uncover the immediate and remote causes of the incident, with the findings to be made public.
The Nigerian Army also appealed for calm as the investigation proceeds, reassuring the public that justice will be served if any misconduct is uncovered.
, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has directed a thorough investigation into allegations that soldiers from the Nigerian Army's 1 Division in Kaduna State were involved in the killing of three villagers and several cattle during a recent operation in Sabon Birni, Igabi Local Government Area.){kind=link}