The Nigerian Army has finally revealed that the decision to deploy the Military against #EndSARS protesters at Lekki was taken by the Lagos State Government, but insists soldiers did not shoot civilians.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Acting Deputy Director, 81 Division Army Public Relations, Major Osoba Olaniyi. He said the invitation of the army came after 24-hour curfew was imposed.
“This was as a result of the violence which led to several police stations being burnt, policemen killed, suspects in police custody released and weapons carted away. The situation was fast degenerating into anarchy. It was at this point that Lagos State Government requested for the Military to intervene, in order to restore normalcy.
“The intervention of the Military followed all laid down procedures for internal security operations. And all the soldiers involved acted within the confines of the Rules of Engagement, ROE for internal security operations.
“Finally, headquarters 81 Division Nigerian Army reiterates that the Nigerian Army in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities did not shoot at any civilian as there are glaring and convincing evidence to attest to this fact.
“This allegation is the handwork of mischief makers who will stop at nothing to tarnish the image of the Nigerian Army. The general public is hereby enjoined to discountenance this allegation, as there is no iota of truth therein”.
The statement also claimed that soldiers of the Nigerian Army did never open fire on any civilian:
“The attention of headquarters 81 Division of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to a viral video on social media in which it was alleged that civilian protesters were massacred by soldiers at the Lekki Toll plaza.
“This allegation is untrue, unfounded and aimed at causing anarchy in the country.
At no time did soldiers of the Nigerian Army open fire on any civilian.
From the onset of the EndSARS protest, there was no time personnel of 81 Division Nigerian Army, Lagos was involved.
