The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has announced that the Nigerian Army has arrested the soldier who criticized Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for ordering the arrest of a fellow soldier and three motorcyclists for violating traffic rules on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway. Lagbaja expressed the Army’s displeasure with the soldier’s conduct, stating that it goes against the discipline of the force.
Lagbaja, speaking to journalists in Enugu on Tuesday, stated that the soldier has been apprehended, and investigations are ongoing regarding others who acted similarly. He emphasized that the arrested soldier’s behavior does not represent the Nigerian Army and contradicts the discipline upheld by the force and the laws of Lagos State.
The soldier in question had defended his colleague in a viral video, criticizing Governor Sanwo-Olu for arresting a soldier in the presence of civilians. The soldier argued that soldiers are not under the control of any state governor but their senior officers. Lagbaja clarified that only one soldier made such statements, and the others are not personnel of the Nigerian Army.
Lagbaja also mentioned that the Army is taking measures to sensitize its personnel about the importance of discipline and law-abiding behavior in the communities where they are deployed. He emphasized the commitment of the Nigerian Army to uphold laws and rules and maintain discipline among its personnel.
