Nigerian Army vows to discipline cadets pictured “punishing” civilians

The Nigerian Army said it will deal with cadets of its defence academy who were pictured abusing some civilians.

Pictures of the cadets of the Nigerian Defence Academy “punishing” the civilians went viral on social media, Tuesday morning.

Cadets pictured "punishing" Nigerian civilian. Nigerian military and paramilitary officers have been accused of trying to live above the law. — Cadets pictured “punishing” Nigerian civilian. Nigerian military and paramilitary officers have been accused of trying to live above the law.

The Army said the action of the cadets was at odds with what the unit stands for.

In a series of tweets, Tuesday, the defence headquarters used it official twitter handle to denounce the action of the cadets.

The Army said the cadets, if found, will be punished.

citizens. We disown this very action and we assure everyone that we will take right action to discipline these disobedient cadets. /3
— DEFENCE HQ NIGERIA (@DefenceInfoNG) July 28, 2015

This is against the principle, standard and value of the Nigeria military. The military stands to protect and defend her nation and its /2
— DEFENCE HQ NIGERIA (@DefenceInfoNG) July 28, 2015

Our attention has been drawn to pictures posted on social media where cadets of NDA were punishing some citizens of the country.This is /1
— DEFENCE HQ NIGERIA (@DefenceInfoNG) July 28, 2015

The action of the cadets comes at a time president Muhammadu Buhari is trying to convince the international community that the Nigerian soldiers are not serial human right abusers.

Buhari, while on an official visit to the U. S. suggested that America was hiding under human-rights-protecting Leahy Law to avoid selling weapons to the African nation.

He said the policy is aiding Boko Haram.

Senator Leahy replied Buhari he needs to worry about riding his army of human rights violations, not imploring America to sell weapons to human rights violators.