SGBV: NA Reacts, Condemns Victimized Female Soldier

 

Nigeria Army Accuses Female Soldier Victimized By Superiors Of 'Unprofessional Conduct, Failure To Exhaust Laid Down Preocedure Of Seeking Redress.' 

......Urges Public To 'Allow It's Investigation Take It's Course'. 

The Nigerian Army (NA) on Friday in reacting to the allegation of Sexual and Gender Based Violence as reported by a female soldier against some senior army officers issued a statement in which it termed the report of the female soldier who cried out again being victimized for turning down sexual overtures of her superiors as "unprofessional".

In a statement signed by Maj. General Onyema Nwachukwu the Director Army Public Relations, the army accused the female soldier of not exhausting laid down procedures of seeking redress in the army. 

Read Statement In Full: 

The Nigerian Army has been inundated with audiovisuals making the rounds on social media of the unprofessional conduct of a female soldier in mufti, who claimed to have been maltreated by some senior officers. It is instructive to state that considering the gravity of the allegations, NA as a disciplined force will conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.

 

It is crucial to point out that contrary to the claims made in the video, the soldier in question has not exhausted the laid down procedure for seeking redress in the NA. This is aside Human Rights and Gender Desks established in Army Headquarters and across NA formations, where complaints about human rights and gender issues are also entertained. The NA remains a professional force that self regulates and conducts its activities in adherence to established rules and ethics, while upholding the highest standards of discipline amongst personnel. We therefore encourage all personnel to always utilize the established channels for addressing grievances and concerns as a member of a noble and disciplined force.

We assure the general public that the NA as an institution is committed to upholding the integrity and morals of its personnel and as such appropriate actions will be  taken based on the findings of the investigation.

We urge the public to allow the investigative process to take its course and refrain from making hasty judgments. The NA remains dedicated to serving our nation with honor and integrity.