Nigerian Army Denies Allegations Of Invasion, Human Rights Violations

By Oluronke Kuku

The Nigerian Army have strongly denied allegations of invading the EKO Electricity Distribution Company’s (EKEDC) substation in Badagry, Lagos. 

According to the statement by Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations for the 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, revealed that the allegations were misleading and an attempt to misinformed the public.

The army explained that a power surge occurred after power was restored to the Topo Barracks community, causing a fire incident. 

Soldiers and EKEDC personnel worked together to contain the situation, and the issue was resolved amicably.

The statement emphasized that the incident occurred within the barracks and not at the EKEDC premises. It also clarified that there was no invasion, abduction, or detention of EKEDC staff.

The Nigerian Army assured that it takes human rights violations seriously and maintains cordial relationships with its host communities and stakeholders. The army also constituted a Board of Inquiry to investigate the incident and ascertain its cause.

The statement further noted that footage aired by Arise TV, which suggested a hostile standoff between the NA and EKEDC, was entirely unrelated to the incident.