Army begins probe of anti-terrorism soldiers’ poor welfare
The Nigerian Army affirmed its integrity following report of mistreating soldiers deployed to battle terrorism in Nigeria’s northeast zone.
Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, (COAS), in his statement, promised to carry out a probe of the allegation.
The statement, issued by Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, says the Nigerian Army “takes the allegations very seriously.”
“The Army has always prioritised the welfare of troops, including their nutrition.
“And there is a comprehensive system in place to ensure that troops receive adequate and balanced meals, especially those serving at the frontline and the meals are prepared under strict quality control measures,” he said.
The Nigerian Army admitted possible isolated incidents, due to lapses occur, and promised to address them.
He added that the army “is committed to transparency and accountability, and will not condone any form of negligence or misconduct.”
“If any culpability is detected, it will attract appropriate disciplinary action and immediate corrective measures to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future will be taken,” the Army said.
The army urged soldiers who have grievances or concerns about their feeding to report it. The army stated it had established feedback mechanism and promised to take prompt action on such complaints.
In addition, the army said it would support gallant soldiers to enable them discharge their duties effectively.
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The army further promised to feed the counter-insurgency soldiers properly to enable them defend the nation.
