Army To Probe Alleged Killing Of 3 Civilians, Cattle By Troops In Kaduna

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja has ordered investigation into the alleged killing of three civilians and 100 cattle by Nigerian Army troops in Sabon Birni, Kaduna State.

The Director Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu stated this while reacting to a viral video alleging that troops of 1 Division killed three persons and some cattle during a recent operation at Sabon Birni in Igabi local government area of the state.

Maj.-Gen. Nwachukwu said that while the Nigerian Army sympathises with the Sabon Birni community and families of the affected persons, the allegation will be thoroughly investigated and any personnel found culpable will be appropriately sanctioned.

He reiterated that the Nigerian Army which is constitutionally mandated to protect lives and property of the citizenry, “cannot tolerate doing otherwise”.

“Accordingly, the Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja has directed a thorough investigation into the incident with a view to establishing the immediate and remote causes of the incident and unraveling those behind it,” he said.

He therefore, appealed for calm and assured that the outcome of the investigation will also be made public.