The Nigerian Army has called on alleged victims and eyewitnesses to submit credible evidence to support allegations of assault, theft and sexual misconduct involving some personnel of the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, during a reported invasion of students’ hostels at Osun State University.
The Army said anyone with verifiable information, including videos, photographs, medical reports or witness statements, should submit them confidentially to the Board of Inquiry investigating the incident at the Headquarters, Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, or through the Army Public Relations Office.
It assured that the identities and safety of complainants and witnesses would be protected.
The appeal was contained in a follow-up statement issued on Friday by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, Major Ibrahim Yahaya.
The statement comes amid public outrage over allegations that some soldiers, said to be among personnel who recently completed their passing-out parade, invaded off-campus hostels occupied by students of Osun State University in Osogbo on Monday evening.
The soldiers were accused of assaulting students, stealing more than 60 mobile phones and other electronic devices, while some female students were allegedly stripped naked and forced to dance unclothed.
In its latest response, the Army said it remained committed to a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into all allegations of misconduct.
According to the statement, the Board of Inquiry earlier constituted after the incident is still sitting and will determine the culpability or otherwise of any personnel involved.
“The Nigerian Army and by extension Depot Nigerian Army Osogbo, remains fully committed to a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into all allegations of unprofessional conduct,” the statement read.
“The Board of Inquiry earlier constituted is ongoing and will leave no stone unturned. Any personnel found culpable will be dealt with in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other extant laws. The Army remain professional and does not condone indiscipline.”
On allegations of rape circulating on social media, the Army said it had taken note of claims attributed to the Vice Chancellor of Osun State University, Professor Odunayo Adebooye.
It, however, stated that no formal complaint, medical report or credible evidence had been submitted to support the allegation.
“At this time, Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo has not received any formal complaint, medical report, or credible evidence from any alleged victim, witness, or the University Management to substantiate the claim of rape by our personnel,” the statement added.
The Army warned that, in the absence of concrete evidence, the allegation remained unconfirmed and urged the public to avoid circulating information capable of prejudicing the ongoing investigation.
It appealed directly to alleged victims and witnesses to cooperate with investigators.
“You are kindly requested to come forward and present your evidence directly and confidentially to the Board of Inquiry at the Headquarters, Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, or through the Army Public Relations Office. Your identity and safety will be protected in line with military and legal procedures. This is the only credible path to identifying and prosecuting the culprits if they exist,” the Army said.
The military also urged the media, the National Association of Nigerian Students, the management of Osun State University and the general public to avoid circulating unverified information.
It said sensationalism and disinformation could hinder the search for truth and cause unnecessary panic among students and host communities.
The Army reaffirmed its commitment to civil-military relations, protection of students and respect for human rights, promising to keep the public informed as investigations progress.
Before the Army’s latest statement, the Vice Chancellor of UNIOSUN, Professor Adebooye, had appeared on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, where he insisted that any soldier found responsible for the alleged attacks should be dismissed from the Nigerian Army.
According to him, the personnel accused of invading the students’ hostels were unfit for military service.
“These officers, these men, what I call the combatants, are not fit to serve in the Nigerian Army. They are misfits,” Adebooye said.
The incident has continued to generate concern among students, parents and rights advocates, with many calling for a transparent investigation, protection for complainants and accountability for any personnel found culpable.
