Lt Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, has confirmed that the Nigerian Army has apprehended a soldier who criticized Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for ordering the arrest of a fellow soldier and three motorcyclists for traffic violations on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.
Expressing displeasure with the soldier’s conduct, Lagbaja stated that it goes against the discipline expected in the armed forces. During a press briefing in Enugu on Tuesday, he announced that investigations are ongoing regarding others who may have acted similarly.
Lagbaja clarified that the arrested soldier, who condemned Sanwo-Olu’s actions, does not represent the Nigerian Army. He emphasized that the soldier’s behavior contradicts the discipline upheld by the force and the laws of Lagos state.
Addressing claims that multiple soldiers had criticized the governor on social media, Lagbaja clarified that only one of them was an officer. He explained that the others were not personnel of the Nigerian Army, pointing out discrepancies in their attire.
The Chief of Army Staff pledged a commitment to upholding laws and rules, emphasizing that troops would be sensitized to abide by the constitution and regulations of the communities where they are stationed. Sanwo-Olu had previously ordered the arrest of a soldier and three motorcyclists for traffic violations, a move captured in a viral video.