The Defence Headquarters has assured that it is taking the recent altercation involving military personnel at the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) very seriously, promising to discipline anyone found guilty of misconduct.
A viral video from weeks ago showed armed soldiers storming the IKEDC headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos State, causing staff members to flee in panic.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily programme on Friday, the Chief of Defence Civil-Military Relations, Rear Admiral Olusanya Bankole, acknowledged that there were underlying tensions between the Nigerian Air Force and IKEDC but stressed that the military does not condone indiscipline.
“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,” he stated.
Rear Admiral Bankole emphasized that such incidents do not reflect the true values of the military and reaffirmed ongoing efforts to strengthen relations between the military and civilians.
“There is no tolerance for that kind; the underlying issues between the Air Force and the IKEDC are being tackled,” he said.
He also highlighted that the military has intensified its public sensitization efforts, reassuring citizens that the armed forces exist to protect them, not instill fear.
“People should not feel scared when they see people in uniform; the men in uniform are meant to protect you. That sensitisation, even from the depot in Zaria, from the NDA to the NDC is there,” he said.
According to Rear Admiral Bankole, the military’s mission extends beyond defending Nigeria’s territorial integrity; it also involves protecting its citizens.
“The military career is a noble career; the military career is to help the society. Apart from protecting the territorial integrity of the society, we are protecting humans,” he added.
He assured that under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, the military is committed to earning and maintaining the trust and respect of the Nigerian people.
