Army Chief Condemns Verbal Assault on Lagos Governor, Arrests Soldier Involved

In a significant development, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, publicly denounced the recent incident involving purported soldiers verbally attacking Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Dragon Officers Mess in Abakpa Cantonment, Enugu State, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja disclosed that the military had apprehended the individual responsible for the assault.

Addressing the distressing videos circulating on social media, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja clarified that only one person in the footage was a member of the army. This individual had been taken into custody for violating traffic regulations, an act conflicting with the principles of discipline upheld by the Nigerian Army and local statutes.

Highlighting the army’s position on the matter, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja emphasized the organization’s strict adherence to discipline and laws, expressing strong disapproval of such behavior from its ranks.

Regarding disparaging social media remarks allegedly made by soldiers against Governor Sanwo-Olu, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja underscored that only one soldier was involved in those comments. He reassured the public of an ongoing investigation into this incident, assuring appropriate action would follow.

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Drawing attention to inconsistencies in the attire and behavior of the individuals in the videos, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja noted discrepancies that indicated they were not authentic army personnel. He pointed out irregularities, such as one person wearing the army cap badge upside down—an action incongruent with the conduct expected of genuine military officers.

Lt. Gen. Lagbaja concluded by affirming the Nigerian Army’s commitment to thoroughly investigate any incidents involving its personnel. He pledged to address such issues according to established protocols and within the framework of the army’s core values.