The Nigerian Army has announced plans to launch a traffic compliance campaign among its officers after a group of unidentified soldiers attacked a Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) official. A viral video depicted soldiers, their faces concealed, along with civilians assaulting the official. One soldier was seen kicking the official, who pleaded for leniency.
In a separate video, a LASTMA official was seen forcibly removing a soldier from a commercial bus and using a stick to beat him. The cause of these altercations remains uncertain, and it is unclear whether the incidents are related.
Responding to the situation, the Nigerian Army’s spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, expressed concern and announced an educational campaign to encourage military personnel to adhere to traffic regulations. He also stated that military police would conduct Operation Checkmate to monitor and apprehend soldiers violating traffic rules or engaging in inappropriate behavior.
The Nigerian Army’s 81 Division spokesperson, Olabisi Ayeni, confirmed that an investigation is ongoing into the attack involving the soldier on Friday.
LASTMA’s spokesperson, Taofeek Adebayo, confirmed the incident but requested patience for a proper response as the matter is sensitive.