The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, has officially announced the arrest of a soldier who had made insulting remarks about Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on social media.
He revealed this during an interview with journalists in Enugu state on January 9, 2024.
The incident originated from the interception of a young soldier riding a motorcycle against traffic rules in Lagos by security personnel from the governor’s convoy.
The subsequent video led to discontent among some members of the military on social media.
In a video shared on behalf of Governor Sanwo-Olu by his media aide, Wale Ajetunmobi, COAS Lagbaja clarified that the soldier’s actions did not align with the values of the Nigerian Army.
He expressed deep concern and reaffirmed the military’s commitment to maintaining discipline and respecting civil authorities.
Lt. General Lagbaja made it clear that other videos circulating on social media, showing insults directed at the governor, were not from Army personnel.
He stressed that such conduct contradicts the professionalism expected of the Nigerian Army.
COAS Lagbaja assured the public that swift action had been taken, confirming the arrest of the soldier involved.
He mentioned that the soldier would face appropriate disciplinary actions in accordance with military regulations.
Lt. General Lagbaja stated, “I want to say that the soldier that was apprehended by the governor of Lagos state for plying one way does not represent the Nigerian Army… For every comical act that you have seen on social media, they are not personnel of the Nigerian Army.”
