By John Ogunsemore
The Nigerian Army said it has identified and arrested soldiers involved in the unprofessional handling of two civilians in Badagry area of Lagos State.
The Army disclosed this in a terse statement published on Facebook on Wednesday, but did not name the affected soldiers.
A viral video which circulated on X on Tuesday shows some personnel of the Nigeria Customs Service and Nigerian Army flogging two male civilians.
Investigative journalist, Fisayo Soyombo, who published the video, said the victims were thought to be whistleblowers exposing smuggling activities in the area.
The Army said, “After preliminary investigation, the Nigerian Army wishes to inform the general public that it has identified and arrested the soldiers involved in the unprofessional handling of two civilians in an unfortunate incident that occurred in Badagry-Lagos State as viewed in a viral video.
“A comprehensive military police investigation of the suspects is ongoing. Be assured that justice will be served accordingly.”
Similarly, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) identified a Superintendent of Customs, Thompson Inemugha and Assistant Superintendent of Customs II, Gmira Aboribo, as its personnel involved in the incident.
In a statement published on the NCS’ Facebook page, Customs Area Controller (CAC), Seme Area Command, Comptroller Kayode Kolade said the duo has been arrested for the maltreatment of the individuals shown in the viral video.
He said the officers’ behaviour “does not reflect the professional practice of the service, especially now that the service is committed to holding its officers to the highest standard of integrity and professionalism”.
Kolade added that the two officers will be handed over to the Customs Police Unit for further investigation.
The controller disclosed that the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, has directed that the officers be taken to the NCS headquarters for full-scale investigation and disciplinary measures.
He requested the complainants to make themselves available to assist in the ongoing investigation.