The recent allegations of misconduct involving newly passed-out personnel of the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo have sparked outrage across Osun State and beyond. Reports of soldiers invading student hostels near Osun State University, harassing students, confiscating valuables, and claims of sexual assault, if substantiated, represent a grave violation of trust and a betrayal of the Army’s professional standards.
The Nigerian Army is an institution built on discipline, integrity, and the protection of citizens. Any deviation into intimidation or abuse must be condemned unequivocally. Students deserve safety, dignity, and respect, and any violation of these rights is unacceptable.
The swift response of the university leadership deserves commendation. Vice Chancellor Prof. Odunayo Clement Adebooye condemned the incident as “barbaric” and “uncalled for,” reassuring students that their welfare remains a priority.
His strong stance reflects the responsibility of academic institutions to protect their communities and uphold values of justice and accountability. Similarly, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Osun Chapter acted promptly, mobilizing protests and amplifying student voices. Their activism underscores the importance of civic engagement in ensuring that grievances are not ignored and that institutions are held accountable.
Equally notable is the response of the Nigerian Army itself. The Depot Commandant visited the university, engaged with stakeholders, and announced the commencement of a Board of Inquiry to investigate the allegations. This proactive step demonstrates a willingness to confront the issue transparently and restore public confidence. The Army’s decision to engage directly with the university community is commendable, but the true test lies in the outcome, whether justice is delivered, victims are protected, and institutional credibility is preserved.
For justice to prevail, the imperative of evidence cannot be overstated. While allegations of sexual assault have circulated widely on social media, the Army has emphasized that no formal complaint or medical evidence has yet been submitted. Justice cannot rest on speculation or sensationalism; it must be grounded in verifiable proof. Victims and eyewitnesses must be encouraged to present credible evidence, medical records, photographs, videos, or written statements either directly to the Army’s Board of Inquiry or through the university authorities, who can forward it to the military. Confidentiality and protection of victims must be guaranteed so that fear does not prevent truth from coming to light. Evidence is the bridge between allegations and accountability, and without it, investigations risk being undermined.
The Nigerian Army must reaffirm its core values of professionalism, discipline, and respect for human rights. Soldiers are entrusted with safeguarding communities, not intimidating them. By conducting a transparent investigation and punishing any personnel found guilty under the Armed Forces Act, the Army can demonstrate that misconduct will never be tolerated. This is not merely about punishing wrongdoers; it is about restoring trust in an institution that plays a vital role in Nigeria’s stability.
In conclusion, the allegations against Depot Nigerian Army personnel in Osogbo represent a serious challenge to civil-military relations in Nigeria. The misconduct, if proven, deserves strong condemnation. Yet the constructive responses from the university leadership, NANS Osun Chapter, and the Army itself also deserve recognition. Together, these actions reflect a collective commitment to justice, accountability, and the protection of human rights. Moving forward, the path to truth lies in evidence, transparency, and accountability. Only then can trust be rebuilt, and the Nigerian Army reaffirm its role as a protector of the people rather than a source of fear
Tolulope Awotayo is a social Justice Advocate & Public Affairs Commentator
