The dismissal of five recruit soldiers over the shocking attack on students of Osun State University (UniOsun) is a commendable first step. It demonstrates that the military authorities recognise the gravity of what allegedly transpired. Yet, if justice is to be seen to have been done, dismissal alone cannot be the final chapter.
According to reports, recruit soldiers from the Oke Bale Military Depot allegedly invaded students’ hostels late at night, assaulted students, harassed female undergraduates, and forcefully dispossessed victims of their mobile phones, cash, clothing and other personal belongings. Such allegations, if established after a thorough investigation, amount to far more than a breach of military discipline. They raise serious questions of criminal conduct that deserve to be tested before a competent court of law.
Administrative sanctions and criminal liability are two entirely different matters.
Removing offenders from military service may protect the integrity of the Armed Forces, but it does not automatically satisfy the demands of justice. Where armed individuals allegedly intimidate civilians and unlawfully take their property, the criminal justice system must determine whether offences such as armed robbery, assault, stealing or unlawful entry have been committed. Wearing a military uniform should never become a shield against prosecution.
No democracy can flourish where those entrusted with bearing arms against criminals are themselves accused of terrorising innocent citizens.
The overwhelming majority of Nigerian military personnel serve honourably, risking their lives daily in the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes. Their courage deserves the nation’s respect. Precisely because of that sacrifice, the actions of a reckless minority must never be tolerated. Holding offenders accountable protects the reputation of the institution far more than attempting to shield them.
The incident also exposes deeper concerns about recruitment, character assessment and discipline within Nigeria’s security services.
Military training is intended to produce disciplined professionals guided by honour, restraint and respect for the rule of law. If newly recruited soldiers could allegedly engage in such conduct against defenceless university students, it raises legitimate questions about the effectiveness of recruitment screening, psychological evaluation, ethical training and supervision.
Nigeria’s security institutions must continue to recruit not merely physically fit individuals, but men and women of proven character, integrity and emotional discipline. In a society confronting complex security challenges, citizens must have absolute confidence that those carrying state-issued weapons are worthy of that enormous responsibility.
The prompt intervention of UniOsun’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Clement Adebooye, the Students’ Union leadership and the university management deserves commendation. Their swift response ensured that the complaints of the affected students received immediate institutional attention and prevented the incident from being quietly swept aside.
However, justice requires that investigations go beyond the five already dismissed.
Every individual who participated in the alleged attack should be identified. Anyone found culpable should face prosecution in accordance with Nigerian law, irrespective of military status or rank. Equally important, students who allegedly lost phones, money and other valuables should receive appropriate compensation where investigations establish liability. The victims deserve not only sympathy but meaningful restitution.
This unfortunate episode should also serve as a wake-up call for the Armed Forces to strengthen internal discipline, reinforce ethical values and ensure that military training reflects the highest standards of professionalism expected in a democratic society.
A soldier’s uniform is a symbol of courage, sacrifice and national service. It must never become a symbol of fear, intimidation or criminality.
The rule of law demands consistency. If civilians accused of armed robbery are prosecuted, security personnel facing similar allegations should equally answer before the law. Justice cannot operate on separate standards depending on who wears the uniform.
The strength of any nation’s armed forces is measured not only by the weapons they carry but by the discipline they uphold.
For Nigeria, confronting insecurity on multiple fronts, preserving public confidence in the Armed Forces is a strategic necessity. That confidence is strengthened when wrongdoing is confronted openly, investigated thoroughly and punished without fear or favour.
Justice, therefore, should not end with dismissal. It must end where every democracy expects it to end—in a court of law, with accountability, fairness and the assurance that no one is above the law.
The National Patriots commends the swift disciplinary action taken by the Nigerian Army but insists that justice must not end with dismissal. Any soldier found to have committed criminal offences against UniOsun students should face prosecution in accordance with the law. Accountability, compensation for victims, and higher recruitment standards are essential to preserving public confidence in our Armed Forces.
Imran Khazaly.
Headlinenews.news Special Investigative Desk
