A youth and student activist, and Public Relations Officer of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Zone ‘A’ (Northwest), Muhammad El-Khamis, has faulted the Nigerian Army’s claim on the incident that led to the death of a 16-year-old boy, Ismail Mohammed, in Zaria, Kaduna State.
ASHENEWS recalls that following the death, the Army, in a statement by the Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, on Tuesday, explained the situation that led to Mohammed’s death.
“On 6 August 2024, troops of the Nigerian Army received a distress call that some hoodlums gathered in Samaru in large numbers, burning tires on the road and pelting stones at security personnel. The troops immediately mobilised and arrived at the scene to disperse the mob and enforce the curfew imposed by the State Government.
“On arrival at the scene, the hoodlums brazenly attempted to attack the troops, prompting a soldier to fire a warning shot to scare the hoodlums away, which unfortunately led to the death of a 16-year-old boy, Ismail Mohammed. The soldier involved has since been arrested and is undergoing interrogation as at the time of this report.
“Saddened by the unfortunate incident, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, has sent a high-powered delegation led by the General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Maj Gen Lander Saraso, to visit and condole with the family of the deceased,” the statement reads.
However, El-Khamis stated that the Army’s statement raised several concerns that needed to be addressed.
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According to him, the Army’s remarks lacked evidence. He called on the Nigerian Army to take immediate corrective actions and ensure justice for Ismail Muhammad through a thorough and impartial investigation.”
Read the statement below:
“The press release issued by the Nigerian Army Headquarters on August 6, 2024, regarding the tragic death of 16-year-old Ismail Muhammad in Samaru-Zaria raises several concerns and questions that need addressing. While the Nigerian Army has expressed regret over the incident and provided some details, the statement contains several inaccuracies and discrepancies that undermine its credibility.
- Lack of Evidence for Allegations: The press release claims that ‘hoodlums’ were involved in burning tires and attacking security personnel. However, there have been no prior reports or evidence to substantiate such claims in Samaru-Zaria, a community known for its academic institutions and peaceful nature. The absence of prior incidents or security reports suggests that the allegations may be unfounded.
- Professionalism in Handling Incidents: The Nigerian Army is known for its professionalism in handling crises. Yet, the release describes a situation where troops allegedly used live ammunition in a crowded area, which raises questions about the adherence to protocols and rules of engagement. The use of warning shots that resulted in a civilian’s death indicates a potentially severe lapse in the Army’s operational procedures.
- Discrepancies in the Account: The statement mentions that the soldier involved has been arrested and is under interrogation. This step is commendable; however, the detailed circumstances surrounding the shooting, including why live ammunition was used instead of non-lethal means, have not been clarified. The press release also fails to explain how a warning shot could result in a bullet entering a residential home, killing an innocent person.
- Public Trust and Communication: The statement’s release, without a thorough investigation, and the contradictory nature of the reported events have led to a significant erosion of trust in the Nigerian Army. Clear, transparent, and timely communication is essential in maintaining public confidence, especially in sensitive matters involving civilian casualties.
- Call for Accountability: Given the seriousness of the incident, it is imperative that a comprehensive and independent investigation is conducted. The statement’s call for an investigation by the Chief of Army Staff is a step in the right direction, but it must be accompanied by visible accountability and transparent findings to restore public trust.
- Recommendations for Future Actions: To address the concerns raised, we recommend that:
- A detailed investigation by an independent body be conducted, including military intelligence, the national security advisor, the Minister of Defense, among others.
- The Nigerian Army provide a full account of the incident, including evidence supporting their claims.
- Measures be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future, including enhanced training for troops on engagement protocols.
- Continuous dialogue be established with the affected community to address grievances and rebuild trust.
In conclusion, while the Nigerian Army’s press release acknowledges the unfortunate incident, it falls short in addressing the critical issues surrounding the case. We urge the Nigerian Army to take immediate corrective actions and ensure justice for Ismail Muhammad through a thorough and impartial investigation.”
