Chief of Army Staff directs immediate investigation into alleged brutalization of civilian workers by soldiers at Command Secondary School Iyana Ipaja

The Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has ordered an immediate investigation into the alleged brutalization of civilian workers by soldiers at Command Secondary School, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos. 

This is contained in a statement by the Director of Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, in Abuja. 

Nwachukwu said that the directive was in response to the concerns raised by the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, ASCSN, regarding the treatment of civilian workers at the school. 

“In response to the recent concerns raised by the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) regarding the treatment of civilian workers at Command Secondary School Iyana Ipaja, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, has taken decisive action to address the situation,” the statement read.

“The Chief of Army Staff , in his unwavering commitment to upholding the rights of all personnel, including the civilian staff, has directed the Provost Marshal (Army) to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the unfortunate incident at the Command Secondary School Iyana Ipaja, Lagos. The investigation will comprehensively address all allegations raised by the ASCSN, with a focus on ensuring accountability and justice for all parties involved.

“The Nigerian Army (NA) recognizes the vital role that civilian staff play in supporting its operations and day to day administration and is therefore dedicated to fostering a positive and respectful working environment for all personnel. While acknowledging that misunderstandings or miscommunication may occur, the ongoing investigation aims to provide clarity and implement necessary measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

“The NA is committed to upholding the rule of law and respect for the rights of all its employees, including the fundamental rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining.

“Currently, the NA is actively engaging with the Ministry of Defence and the ASCSN to address any outstanding issues and promote a cordial working relationship and industrial harmony. The NA strongly believes that open communication and collaboration are key to resolving challenges, and is fully committed to maintaining these principles.

“As the investigation progresses, the NA urges all parties to refrain from making premature judgments or spreading misinformation. Trust in the process is essential, and the NA is confident that the investigation will provide a clear and accurate understanding of the situation to facilitate appropriate and fair actions. We appreciate the patience and understanding of all stakeholders, as we diligently work to address these concerns.”