June 30 (THEWILL) — The Nigerian Army has ordered an investigation into allegations that some of its personnel assaulted students of Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Osogbo, following widespread claims by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) that army recruits invaded hostels, injured several students, and extorted money from some of the victims.
The development followed public outcry over reports that the incident occurred on Monday night in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, where students were allegedly attacked by individuals identified as Nigerian Army recruits.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Army Public Relations Officer, Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, Major Yahaya Ibrahim, the Commandant of the Depot expressed concern over the allegations contained in a statement issued by the NANS Southwest Zone D leadership.
The commandant stressed that the Nigerian Army exists to protect all citizens, particularly young people, and maintained that any conduct inconsistent with that responsibility would not be tolerated.
“The Nigerian Army exists to protect all citizens, especially the youth, who are the future of the nation. Any conduct that falls short of that mandate is unacceptable.
“No student or law-abiding citizen should ever feel unsafe or be subjected to harassment, intimidation, or assault by those entrusted with the security of lives and property,” the statement said.
According to the Army, the Commandant has directed an immediate investigation to establish the facts surrounding the incident and ensure that any personnel found culpable are brought to justice.
The military also appealed to the NANS Southwest Zonal Coordinator, Comrade Adeyemo Josiah Kayode, to provide available evidence, including witness statements, to facilitate a comprehensive investigation.
The Depot further assured the public that the alleged actions do not reflect the values, discipline, and character expected of personnel undergoing training at the institution.
It pledged that any officer or soldier found guilty would face the full weight of military law, while also expressing readiness to engage with the NANS leadership to find a peaceful resolution and restore public confidence.
Earlier, the National President of NANS alleged that army recruits invaded hostels occupied by students of Osun State University on Monday night, where they reportedly assaulted several occupants, inflicted varying degrees of injuries, and allegedly compelled some students to transfer money to them.
According to NANS, some of the affected students are currently receiving medical treatment in a hospital as a result of injuries sustained during the alleged attack.
The student body disclosed that its Southwest Zonal Coordinator had already visited the affected students, while directing student activists across the region to mobilise to Osogbo in solidarity with the victims and to demand justice.
Describing the alleged incident as an unacceptable act of brutality, NANS called for a thorough investigation, the identification of all officers involved, and their prosecution in accordance with the law.
The association insisted that Nigerian students deserve to study in an environment free from intimidation, harassment, and violence, pledging to continue defending the rights, safety, and dignity of students across the country.
As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian Army had not confirmed the identities of the personnel allegedly involved, while investigations ordered by the Depot Commandant were ongoing.
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