The Nigerian Army has detained one of its personnel, Private Christopher Emmanuel, for allegedly assaulting a female food vendor, identified as Doshima, in Kula community of Gwer West Local Government Area in Benue State.

The incident, which occurred on May 6, 2025, but was reported two days later, is being investigated by Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), a military task force headquartered in Makurdi.

In a statement released on Sunday, the Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations for the 401 Special Forces Brigade, Lieutenant Abdullahi Lawal Osabo, confirmed that Private Emmanuel is currently in custody as investigations commence.

Osabo on behalf of the Force Commander of OPWS, noted that preliminary findings suggested that the altercation may have resulted from a disagreement over an unpaid debt, with claims that the soldier felt insulted during a phone conversation with the vendor.

He stated that the dispute allegedly escalated into a physical confrontation, adding that the Nigerian Army, through OPWS, emphasised its zero tolerance for human rights abuses and assured the public that disciplinary measures would be taken based on the outcome of the investigation.

“The leadership of the Nigerian Army assures the general public and the victim that justice will be served in line with the military’s high standards,” the statement read, adding that any form of indiscipline or abuse by personnel is strongly condemned.

The statement also encouraged the public to report cases of misconduct to its Human Rights Desk rather than social media, assuring that all such reports are treated with seriousness and investigated thoroughly.