The Nigerian Airforce (NAF) says it has identified and arrested all personnel involved in the flogging of curfew defaulters at Ilesha in Osun State.
The announcement comes days after a viral video captured men of the force flogging/meting punishment on suspected hoodlums who were made to lie inside muddy waters.
https://youtu.be/Hdt31hgcHvU
Responding to the incident, NAF issued a statement on social media noting that the personnel involved in the incident have been identified and placed on close arrest, adding that it would commence an investigation into the matter before taking appropriate disciplinary action.
(2/4) 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.
— Nigerian Air Force (@NigAirForce) October 28, 2020
The statement which stressed that acts in the video were at variance with core values of NAF, added that the force is a professional and disciplined force that does not condone violations of human rights.
It further assured Nigerians that personnel of NAF have been directed to discharge their duties in a professional manner, adding that the force will always remain accountable to Nigerians.
(3/4) @NigAirForce, as a professional & 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.
— Nigerian Air Force (@NigAirForce) October 28, 2020
(4/4) 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
— Nigerian Air Force (@NigAirForce) October 28, 2020