The Nigerian Army has strongly condemned the torture of retired Corporal Toriola Adewale by members of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Major-General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, made this announcement in a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja.
Nwachukwu revealed that the video of the torture, which is being disseminated by IPOB’s self-proclaimed prime minister, Simon Ekpa, shows the victim being brutally attacked.
Adewale, who retired from the Nigerian Army six years ago, was subjected to severe mistreatment by the group known as the IPOB/Biafra Liberation Army.
Additionally, Nwachukwu noted that Adewale was coerced into delivering messages to active military personnel, urging them to abandon their duties and constitutional responsibilities.
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“This defenceless citizen was further compelled to falsely claim he was treated well while being held captive.
“It must be unequivocally stated that the claim by IPOB and its terrorist leader that ex-Cpl. Toriola is still serving in the Nigerian Army is far from the truth.
“This outrageous propaganda by IPOB terrorist group is undoubtedly an attempt to justify their savage mistreatment of an unarmed, law-abiding citizen who served his country meritoriously.
“Such dehumanising acts must be condemned in the strongest terms by the international community.
“The Nigerian Army therefore urges all Nigerians to disregard this malicious video and stand united against the vile acts of terrorism perpetrated against Nigerians, and particularly, the law-abiding people of South East by IPOB terrorists.”
Mr. Nwachukwu stated that the vast majority of Nigerians in the South East, as well as across the country, have dismissed the criminal propaganda of IPOB.
He emphasized that the Nigerian military, in close cooperation with other security agencies, has ramped up operations to combat terrorism and insurgency in the South East and other regions.
Nwachukwu noted that the recent elimination of prominent terrorist leaders in known strongholds underscores this ongoing commitment.
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“The savage treatment of innocent citizens like ex-Cpl. Toriola and other law-abiding Nigerians must not be treated with levity.
“We call on all relevant international organisations, including Amnesty International and the International Criminal Court, to take immediate action and hold Simon Ekpa and other IPOB terrorist elements accountable for these heinous crimes.
“The Nigerian Army will remain steadfast in protecting all Nigerians, including its retired and active personnel from such terror.
“The villainous acts of terror by Simon Ekpa and his accomplices must come to an end, as justice will soon catch up with them.
“They can run, but they cannot hide forever,” he added.
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