The Nigerian Air Force has arrested some of its personnel accused of beating people for violating a curfew imposed by the country’s Osun State over the chaos that followed a protest against police brutality.
A statement by the Force said an investigation would be carried out before any “appropriate disciplinary action” is taken.
The statement comes after a video of the event went viral on social media.
The force says it “does not condone such irresponsible acts and has zero-tolerance for human rights violations, in whatever guise.”
In a viral video, some NAF officials were seen flogging and meting out other corporal punishment on the defaulters.
NAF tweeted, “The attention of @NigAirForce has been drawn to a video showing some personnel flogging/meting out corporal punishment on suspected hoodlums involved in criminal activities during the imposed curfew in Ilesha.
“We wish to inform the general public that @NigAirForce has identified all the personnel involved in the incident & placed them on close arrest, while investigation to determine their level culpability has commenced, after which appropriate disciplinary action will be taken.
“@NigAirForce, as a professional and disciplined force, does not condone such irresponsible acts & has zero tolerance for human rights violations, in whatever guise, even against suspected criminals; as all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.
“The acts depicted in the video are at variance with our core values, as we place high premium on the rights of citizens. We wish to reassure that our personnel have been directed on professional conduct to ensure security, whilst remaining accountable to the Nigerian people.”
