Youths Minister and Nigeria Army Condemn Abuse of Female Corper in Cross River

Following the viral video in which a female Army officer is seen dehumanising a female NYSC member, the Minister of Youths and Sports, Sunday Dare, has warned the Nigeria Army to stop abusing members of the public. The Nigeria Army has also spoken up to condemn the act perpetrated by one of its commissioned officers, and promised that justice will be served.

In the video, an Army officer identified as Lt. Chika Viola Anele is seen pouring some dirty liquid on corp member Ezeiruaku Ifenyinwa Fidelia who is kneeling before the officer. Anele and Fidelia are both kitted in Army uniform and NYSC uniform respectively. But Anele repeatedly empties some dirt on the kneeling corper and hits her head with a container in her hand.

The incident happened at the 13th Brigade Command of the Nigerian Army in Calabar, Cross River State, on September 22.

“The Ministry wants to further urge that all Army and Para- Military personnel be re-oriented and be asked to stop any such dehumanising actions against Corps members across the country,” Youths Minister Sunday Dare warned. “The ministry also condemns in very strong terms this incident. We believe and have been assured that the Army with its discipline and commitment to professional ethics will make sure justice is served.”

Army authorities also condemned the act and said justice will be served. Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier-General Onyema Nwachukwu, said the wicked action of one personnel does not reflect the professional standards for which the Nigeria Army represents.

“It is against this premise that the NA condemns this unimaginable level of infraction by a personnel in its ranks,” Nwachukwu said. “Undoubtedly, the officer’s action has caused the NA monumental embarrassment and is highly regrettable.”

The Army brass said Lt. Anele has been sanctioned for her conduct and that she will undergo regimental trial in line with extant provisions of the Armed Forces Act. He urged the public to continue to report personnel infractions to the appropriate authorities. He equally apologised to the Fidelia, the NYSC, and friends and family of the victim.