ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Taoreed Lagbaja, has confirmed the arrest of a soldier who insulted Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on social media.
A soldier who was apprehended for violating traffic regulations in Lagos, triggered outrage from some military personnel on social media.
He was arrested after allegedly riding a motorcycle against traffic regulations in Lagos, and was apprehended by security personnel attached to the Governor’s convoy.
The video has since triggered angry reactions from some military personnel on social media.
In a video shared on X by one of Sanwo-Olu’s media aides, Wale Ajetunmobi, the COAS said all other videos where insults were hurled at the Governor were not from Army personnel.
Addressing the situation in Enugu State, COAS Lagbaja expressed concern and disapproval, emphasizing the military’s commitment to discipline and respect for civil authorities.
He clarified that the soldier’s actions did not represent the Nigerian Army’s values and professionalism.
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While condemning the soldier’s behavior, Lagbaja assured that appropriate disciplinary measures, in line with military regulations, would be taken.
He also clarified that insults directed at the governor on social media were attributed to only one soldier, who had been apprehended and was under investigation.
His words: “I want to say that the soldier that was apprehended by the Governor of Lagos state for plying one way does not represent the Nigerian Army.
“Because, in every respect, he contravened what we stand for, which is discipline as an Army, and it contravenes the constitution and the laws of Lagos. So, we frown at that as an Army.
“But for what you alleged that soldiers have gone to social media casting aspersions on the person and the office of the governor, it is only one soldier that has done that. The Army has investigated, that soldier has been apprehended and we are investigating.
“For every comical act that you have seen on social media, they are not personnel of the Nigerian Army.”
The Chief of Army Staff reiterated the Nigerian Army’s commitment to maintaining cordial and respectful relations with civilian authorities.