The Nigerian Army has launched an investigation into the killing and assault on its personnel by officers of the Nigeria Police Force, SaharaReporters reports.
The Chief of Army Staff in a letter dated November 23, 2021, to all formations and units, called on military officers to “forward all recorded incidence of police brutality against personnel of the Nigerian Army.”
The letter signed by Major General J. A. Ataguba is titled, ‘Evaluating Incidences Of Police Brutality Against Personnel Of Nigerian Army.’
It is also mandated to evaluate and present evidence surrounding the circumstances and draw conclusions as to the validity of the complaints raised.
The letter read; “The NA is constitutionally tasked to provide aid to civil authorities when called upon. This responsibility has occasioned conducting joint activities with members of the civil and paramilitary organizations. These joint operations with other security agencies particularly the Nigerian Police (NP) create occasions for the police to equate its hierarchy with the NA and this has often led to friction, especially at the lower levels.
“This friction has occasionally led to bodily harm and in some cases death to our troops. This is in spite of the fact that the victims have been identified and established to be serving personnel.
“This Dept is therefore conducting an evaluation of these occurrences with a view to establishing the frequency and recommend possible remedial measures to stem the tide. Consequently, all NA corps, formations and establishments are please requested to forward all recorded incidence of police brutality against personnel of the NA.
The report should cover the last 2 years. Returns to reach this NLT 8 December 21 and should be forwarded using enclosed formal.“
Police brutality in Nigeria especially by the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad, SARS was responsible for sparking the #EndSARS protest in October last year.
