Army clarify arrest of hoodlums in Edo

Hamilton Nwosa
Writer

Ad

Oil Prices Slip on Oversupply Concerns

Oil prices slipped in early Asian trading on Thursday, giving back some of the previous session’s gains as traders prepared for the end of the summer driving season and closely watched trade tensions between the U.S. and India. At the time of writing, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) was down 39 cents, or 0.61%, at $63.76…

Tinubu Departs Brazil for Nigeria After State Visit

By Abiola Olawale President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has concluded a three-day state visit to Brazil, departing the country for Abuja on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. The New Diplomat reports that the presidential jet took off from BrasĂ­lia International Airport Air Force Base, with a ceremonial send-off attended by Brazil’s Secretary for Africa and the Middle…

President’s son jailed 6 years in fraud case as power tussle soars in Equatorial Guinea

• Two brothers at war over who succeeds Nguema Mbasogo By Obinna Uballa An Equatorial Guinea court has sentenced Ruslan Obiang Nsue, son of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, to six years in prison for illegally selling a plane belonging to the state airline, Ceiba Intercontinental, a case analysts say reflects growing rivalry within the…

Ad

The Nigerian Army on Thursday clarified the arrest of 10 suspected hoodlums at a hotel in Edo State

Acting Director Army Public Relations Col. Sani Kukasheka Usman gave the clearification on Thursday. “The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to an online publications alleging that Soldiers  of  4 Brigade Nigerian Army and personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS)  Edo State command of arresting and molesting 10 journalists in Benin, Edo State earlier today” Usman said.

The Army spokesman stated that online media report is not correct as they did not get their facts right. “It is important to state that sequel to the prevailing security situation in the state which led to the postponement of the earlier scheduled  Gubernatorial Election in Edo State, there were credible security reports  that some unpatriotic persons  have  hired hoodlums  with the intention of causing mayhem during the forthcoming election in the State. The reports further showed that   the suspected hoodlums  have been lodged in some hotels within Benin city and its environs” Usman added.

He said acting on the security report, the DSS in conjunction with troops of 4 Brigade Nigerian Army carried out cordon and search operations in the suspected areas. “This led to the   arrest of 10 suspected persons in one of the hotel. Among the suspects arrested was a deserted soldier” he said.

Usman further stated that none of the arrested suspects identified himself as a journalist or mention the media he reports for, contrary to the allegations of the online media. “In addition, quite  a number of incriminating items including INEC sensitive materials were recovered from them” said Usman.

He said all the suspects were treated humanely and in the most dignified manner which has always been in accordance with the military Code of Code and the tradition. “Therefore none of them was molested at all during the operation and subsequent handing over to the relevant security agency” Usman said.

He reiterated the position of the present leadership of the Nigerian Army under the command of Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai which has zero tolerance for such unprofessional and unethical conduct such as harassment and molestation of innocent citizens. “The Nigerian Army would always conduct itself professionally and responsibly in  all its operations. Therefore, it is always advisable to always cross check facts before rushing to file or post such stories” Usman said.

Ad

X whatsapp