A disturbing video circulating on social media has captured a senior army officer, identified as a Major General, alongside two soldiers, assaulting a man in Abuja over a traffic dispute.
The incident reportedly occurred after the man allegedly overtook their vehicle.
The 1-minute, 57-second clip, obtained by AAN TV, shows the victim writhing in pain and repeatedly exclaiming, “How did I pass your car! Oh my God!” as the soldiers continued their assault. A female passenger, who was present, pleaded for mercy, shouting, “He’s not feeling fine! Jesus, Jesus, Jesus!”
The violence escalated when the soldiers turned on the woman for recording the attack. One soldier can be heard yelling, “Give me the phone!” as they attempted to seize her device.
The video has sparked widespread outrage, with reports indicating that the assaulted man is taking legal action. He is demanding ₦150 million in compensation and the dismissal of the Major General involved.
In response, the Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has called for an immediate investigation into the incident. A statement by the Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, emphasized the Army’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
“The attention of the Nigerian Army (NA) has been drawn to a viral audio-visual recording… purportedly showing a senior Army officer and two other soldiers in an altercation with a man and a woman within the Abuja metropolis,” the statement read.
It added, “The circumstances leading to this incident are not clear at the moment. However, the Acting Chief of Army Staff… has ordered an immediate investigation to unravel the true circumstances surrounding this altercation.”
The Army assured Nigerians that due diligence would be applied to reach a logical conclusion and reiterated its commitment to protecting law-abiding citizens as enshrined in the Constitution.
