The Nigerian Army on Saturday said it has arrested 16 officers over allegations of indiscipline and breach of service rules.
The Defence Headquarters explained that investigations linked the officers’ actions to repeated failures in promotion exams and complaints of career stagnation.
Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, in a statement, said their behaviour was not in line with the standards of the military.
He said, “The Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to inform the public that a routine military exercise has resulted in the arrest of sixteen officers over issues of indiscipline and breach of service regulations. Investigations have revealed that their grievances stemmed largely from perceived career stagnation caused by repeated failure in promotion examinations, among other issues.
“Some of the apprehended officers had been under jurisdiction for various offences, either awaiting or undergoing trial. Their conduct was deemed incompatible with the standards of military service.”
According to him, those found guilty after the investigation will go through the military’s disciplinary process in line with established rules.
“Upon completion of investigation, indicted officers will face the full military disciplinary process in accordance with established procedures to ensure accountability and preserve professionalism within the Armed Forces.
“The Armed Forces wishes to assure the general public that these actions are strictly disciplinary in nature and part of routine efforts to maintain order, discipline, and loyalty within the ranks,” Gusau added.
He stressed that the military would not allow any action that questions its integrity or role in the country.
“The Armed Forces will not tolerate behaviour that undermines the integrity of the institution or threatens its constitutional role under democratic authority. The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains fully committed to its constitutional responsibilities and will remain professional at all times,” he said.
Cases of disciplinary action are not new in the Nigerian military. In recent years, officers and soldiers have faced sanctions for mutiny, desertion, and acts seen as harmful to military discipline.
