Lagbaja’s soldiers still above the law

YET again, Nigerian soldiers have shown that they believe they are above the law. The latest act of savagery occurred when soldiers from the Ojo Cantonment Barracks in Lagos, led by a colleague driving against traffic, brutally attacked and killed a police inspector, Saka Ganiyu, who was simply doing his job.

The incident reeks of lawlessness. The police officer stopped a soldier in mufti who was driving an unregistered commercial bus against traffic. Instead of obeying, he disregarded the officer. In the altercation that ensued, the soldier’s colleagues trooped out of the barracks and attacked the police team. This is brazen lawlessness by the soldiers.

This incident is part of a disturbing pattern in Nigeria, where soldiers have repeatedly acted as though they are untouchable, meting out violence to anyone who dares challenge them, even fellow law enforcement officers.

It is unconscionable that soldiers, who are meant to protect the country and uphold its laws, continue to engage in lawlessness and brutality. The killing of Ganiyu (an inspector), while trying to enforce traffic rules, exposes a serious issue within the ranks of the Nigerian military: a deep-seated culture of impunity.

The Chief of Army Staff, Taoreed Lagbaja, must take full responsibility for this lawlessness. Under his leadership, the Nigerian Army has again shown that it lacks discipline and respect for the rule of law. Soldiers, emboldened by a system that rarely punishes them, continue to terrorise civilians and fellow security personnel.

This is not the first time Nigerian soldiers have unleashed violence on police officers in Lagos. In August 2022, another police officer, Monday Orukpe, was brutally tortured to death by soldiers in the Trade Fair area of Lagos. The guilty soldiers faced no meaningful retribution. It was a brutal reminder that the Nigerian Army operates under a separate, self-imposed set of laws.

The problem starts at the top. President Bola Tinubu, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, must do more than offer token condolences after these brutal acts. His silence in the face of such barbarity is a stain on his administration.

Lagbaja must answer for the actions of his soldiers. He cannot absolve himself of responsibility by claiming ignorance or promising “investigations.” Under his command, the Nigerian Army has continued its long history of brutality, unchecked violence, and disregard for civilian and police authority.

The families of Ganiyu and Orukpe, and countless other victims, deserve justice. It is not enough for the military to detain the soldier responsible for Ganiyu’s death. The entire chain of command that allowed this culture of impunity to fester must be held accountable. There must be a public trial of the soldier(s).

The Nigerian military must implement far-reaching reforms to ensure such incidents never happen again. Soldiers need to be properly trained, not just in combat, but in respecting the law and the rights of citizens. The Army must establish stricter disciplinary measures to deal with rogue elements within its ranks.

Also, there must be clear and enforceable punishments for soldiers who violate the law. These punishments should not be limited to internal disciplinary actions but must include public trials and sentencing. This will send a strong message that the era of military impunity is over.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian government must strengthen civilian oversight of the military. This includes creating an independent body that can investigate and prosecute soldiers who commit crimes against civilians or other law enforcement agencies.

This culture of impunity must end. Tinubu and Lagbaja must act swiftly and decisively to restore discipline within the ranks of the Nigerian military. If they fail to do so, they will have blood on their hands — the blood of innocent civilians and police officers whose lives were cut short by those who swore to protect them. Enough is enough.