Defence headquarters reviews military invasion of Ikeja electricity office, vows sanctions
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that it is reviewing the recent incident involving soldiers at the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) and has vowed to sanction anyone found culpable.
A viral video from a few weeks ago showed armed men in military uniforms storming the IKEDC headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos State, causing panic among staff members, some of whom were seen running for safety.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Friday, Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole, Chief of Defence Civil-Military Relations, acknowledged that there were underlying issues that led to the incident. However, he stated that the behavior displayed in the video does not reflect the values of the Nigerian military.
“What happened at Ikeja Disco is being viewed seriously at the Defence Headquarters and headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force. Whatever sanctions need to be meted out will be. But there is no tolerance for that kind of behavior; the underlying issues between the Air Force and IKEDC are being tackled,” Bankole stated.
He further emphasized that the military has intensified its civil-military relations and sensitization programs, reassuring civilians that the armed forces exist to protect them, not intimidate them.
“People should not feel scared when they see people in uniform; the men in uniform are meant to protect you,” he said.
Bankole also highlighted the efforts of Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, in improving the image of the Nigerian military, stating that the ongoing reforms would help the armed forces regain the trust and respect of the public.
The Defence Headquarters has assured that investigations into the Ikeja incident will be thorough and that appropriate disciplinary actions will be taken where necessary.
