The Nigerian Army has expressed strong condemnation of a distressing video circulating online, which was shared by Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of IPOB (Indigenous People of Biafra). In the video, Corporal Toriola Adewale, a former soldier who honourably retired from the Nigerian Army six years ago, is seen being subjected to brutal mistreatment by the IPOB and its affiliate, the Biafra Liberation Army.
In a statement released by the Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, it was revealed that the ex-soldier was forced to make coerced statements, urging active military personnel to abandon their duties and disregard their constitutional responsibilities. He was also made to falsely claim that he was treated well during his captivity.
The army dismissed claims made by IPOB and its leader, Simon Ekpa, that Corporal Toriola is still serving in the Nigerian Army, labelling such statements as outrageous propaganda. According to the military, these assertions are merely an attempt to justify the inhumane treatment of an unarmed, law-abiding citizen who served his country with distinction.
The Army called on the international community to strongly condemn these acts of dehumanisation, particularly noting that IPOB’s actions are part of a wider campaign of terrorism against innocent Nigerians, especially in the South East.
The Nigerian Army urged citizens to disregard the malicious video and to remain united against the violent activities of IPOB terrorists. The statement also highlighted that the majority of South Eastern Nigerians and people across the country have rejected the group’s criminal propaganda.
“The Nigerian military, in close collaboration with other security agencies, has recently intensified operations aimed at eradicating terrorism and insurgency in the Southeast and other parts of the country. These operations have resulted in the annihilation of key terrorist leaders in identified terrorists’ strongholds, indicating the commitment of the security forces.”
“The savage treatment of innocent citizens like ex-corporal Toriola and other law-abiding Nigerians must not be treated with levity as the army called on all relevant international organisations, including Amnesty International and the International Criminal Court, to take immediate action and hold Simon Ekpa and other IPOB terrorist elements accountable for all heinous crimes,” the statement read
The Army called on international organisations, including Amnesty International and the International Criminal Court (ICC), to hold Simon Ekpa and other IPOB leaders accountable for their crimes. It reiterated its determination to protect all Nigerians, both active and retired personnel, from terrorism, emphasising that the violent actions of IPOB must be brought to an end.