The Commandant of the Depot Nigerian Army in Osogbo has ordered an investigation into allegations that some military personnel harassed and brutalised civilians in the South West, following a statement by the National Association of Nigerian Students.

In a statement by Depot Army spokesman Major Yahaya Ibrahim, the Army said it existed to protect all citizens, especially young people, and that any conduct falling short of that mandate was unacceptable. It said the Commandant had ordered an investigation to establish the facts and bring any perpetrators to justice.

The Army appealed to the NANS South West coordinator to provide evidence and witness statements, and said the alleged conduct did not reflect the training imparted at the Depot, assuring that any member found culpable would face the full weight of military law.

Reports said newly recruited personnel had stormed hostels of Osun State University students on Monday night, allegedly assaulting male students and sexually harassing female students, with eyewitnesses claiming some recruits had earlier demanded money transfers and stolen phones and valuables.

Vice-Chancellor Clement Adebooye condemned the incident as gory, while NANS Zone D coordinator Josiah Adeyemo called on President Tinubu and the Chief of Army Staff to ensure those responsible were brought to justice. Osun police spokesman Abiodun Ojelabi confirmed the case had been reported and was under investigation.