The Nigerian Army has confirmed the arrest and detention of Private Christopher Emmanuel after allegations surfaced that he physically assaulted a female food vendor in Kula village, Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State.
The disturbing incident, which took place on May 6, 2025, came to light two days later when a petition by human rights advocate Ukan Kurugh was shared on social media. The post, addressed to the Chief of Army Staff, detailed how the soldier, attached to Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS), brutally beat the vendor, identified only as Doshima, over an unpaid food bill of ₦2,400.
According to the viral petition, Private Emmanuel had accrued the debt over several weeks and allegedly attacked the vendor after she politely requested payment. Eyewitness accounts claim that he returned to her food stall wielding a stick, dropped naira notes on the ground, and ordered her to pick them up. As she bent down, he reportedly launched a violent attack, leaving her with visible injuries.
“He told her she needed to be taught a lesson for being disrespectful to a soldier,” the petition read. The activist also highlighted that the people of Gwer West, already suffering from displacement due to herdsmen attacks, were counting on the military for protection—not more trauma.
Reacting to the report, Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Abdullahi Lawal Osabo of the 401 Special Forces Brigade, confirmed on Saturday that the soldier had been taken into custody and is under investigation. He emphasized the Army’s zero-tolerance policy for human rights violations.
“Private Christopher Emmanuel is currently in custody, and a thorough investigation is underway. The Nigerian Army will not condone any form of abuse by its personnel,” Osabo said in a statement.
He further assured the public and the victim that disciplinary measures would be applied if the soldier is found guilty. The Army also urged citizens to report such incidents through its official Human Rights Desk instead of relying solely on social media.
“The leadership of OPWS strongly condemns any form of indiscipline and remains committed to justice, accountability, and the protection of civilian rights,” the statement added.
The incident has sparked outrage across the country, with many calling for swift justice and improved civil-military relations, especially in vulnerable rural communities.
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