TheCable

The Nigerian army says it is investigating a trending video showing its soldiers torturing men believed to be members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

In a statement issued on Thursday by Sagir Musa, spokesman of 82 division, the army said it would ascertain the perpetrators and ensure that appropriate disciplinary action is taken.

The army further said it is aware of the alleged plan of IPOB to release videos with the aim of causing discrediting the army.

“The attention of the headquarters 82 Division Nigerian army has been drawn to a video clip trending on social media and other platforms purportedly showing troops humiliating some people at a check point in Abia State, Nigeria,” the statement read.

“The issue is being investigated with the view to ascertain the source and the actors in the clip. Our code of conduct and rules of engagement are quite clear and any officer or soldier that infringed on any of such directive if found guilty, will face full wrath of the military justice system.

“We would like inform the public that 82 division is also aware of the planned misinformation and propaganda arrangement by the secessionists Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

“They intend to churn out prerecorded video clips aimed at discrediting the Nigerian Army, causing disaffection among the citizens of this country.

“They will be using bogus, manipulated and photo-shopped photographs as well as video clips. The public should be wary of such mischief, scrutinize and report same to the Nigerian Army or any of security agencies.

“The division wishes to reassure the public that it is determined to ensuring the safety of lives and properties in its area of operational responsibility, particularly the entire south-east geo-political zone as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“We do not condone any act of indiscipline in the conduct of our operations and training exercises. Any claim of rights violation would be investigated and when confirmed, appropriate disciplinary action would be taken against the erring personnel.”