The Nigerian Army has explained why it arrested and detained a female soldier who accepted a marriage proposal from a male corps member at the Yikpata orientation camp of the National Youth Service Corps in Kwara State.
WuzupNigeria had reported the open display of affection between the female soldier and the corps member at the passing out parade of Batch B, Stream 2 of the 2021 Corps Members.
In one of the now-viral videos, the yet-to-be-identified corps member is seen holding a ring, knelt and propose to the female soldier amid cheers from other corps members in the background.
The Nigerian army subsequently arrested the lady soldier after the display.
Although, some activists had shared photos of military officers proposing to their love interests in uniform on Facebook while demanding the soldier’s release, the army insisted she broke some extant laws.
Spokesman for the Army, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu said the reason for her arrest and detention was that she violated extant military laws.
The General said the female soldier’s action amounted to taking advantage of her trainee.
He added that the public would have been outraged and accused the Army of coercion had a male soldier proposed to a female corper during the NYSC parade.
Nwachukwu said, “The female soldier in question violated the following rules of the NA:
“1. Fraternization while on official duty at the NYSC camp. That is, indulging in an amorous relationship with a trainee.
“2. A personnel must have served for three years before he/she can qualify for marriage.
“3. She disobeyed the Armed Forces of Nigeria standing guidelines and directives for the use of Social Media.
“4. Indulging in romance while in uniform.
“5. Her conduct was prejudicial to good order and military discipline.
He, however, did not comment on the likely punishment the female soldier might receive.
But he said that the Army has its disciplinary codes, distinct from that of the general society. Every personnel has voluntarily undertaken to be bound by this code.
