Nigerian Army Denies Alleged Torture, Dehumanisation of Suspects in Its Detention

• Hosts air force war college to boost air power strategy in North West

Linus Aleke in Abuja and Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto

The Headquarters of 8 Division, Nigerian Army, has denied allegations of torture, brutalisation, dehumanising treatment and reprisal attacks against detainees at the 8 Division Provost Group Detention Facility in Giginya Cantonment, Sokoto, following claims linked to the death of Lance Corporal Bala Hudu.

The response came amid a trending petition authored by Malcolm Omirhobo, a human rights lawyer.

Acknowledging the petitioner’s civic interest, the Army said it was necessary to correct what it described as misinformation while reaffirming its commitment to discipline, professionalism and respect for human rights.

In a statement, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 8 Division/ Sector 2 Operation Fansan Yamma, Lieutenant Colonel Olaniyi Osoba, explained that, “In setting the record straight, in April 2023, the late Lance Corporal Bala Hudu killed a commercial motorcycle operator in Katsina State, leading to a military police investigation and subsequent court martial proceedings.

“During the proceedings, it was discovered that the late soldier had underlying health conditions, including hyperopia, allergic conjunctivitis and high blood pressure, for which he was receiving medical care at the 8 Division Medical Services and Hospital.

“Due to his health status, he was granted unrestricted access to his family and legal counsel and remained under continuous medical supervision, with a nursing assistant assigned to him.

 “However, on 15 April 2026, he was admitted at the Accident and Emergency unit with complaints of headache, body weakness and rapid breathing. He was diagnosed with severe right lobar pneumonia and malaria.”

Osoba added that the soldier’s condition deteriorated on 17 April 2026, leading to his death, likely due to complications from his underlying ailments.

He noted that the General Officer Commanding 8 Division immediately convened an independent Board of Inquiry, which is ongoing.

The Army described allegations of torture and intimidation as “categorically false,” stressing that its detention facilities operated in line with international standards and uphold detainees’ welfare.

It added that the GOC maintained zero tolerance for abuse and invited the petitioner and other interested parties to appear before the Board of Inquiry from 29 April to 10 May 2026.

Meanwhile, the 8 Division has hosted participants of the Air Force War College Course 12/2026, as part of a National Study Tour designed to enhance the strategic use of air power for national security and development.

In a statement by Osoba, it said the visit “serves as a critical link between state-level operations and the strategic deployment of air power in safeguarding national security.”

This year’s study tour runs under the theme “State Resources and Air Power: National Development in Northwest Nigeria in Focus.”_

According to Osoba, the theme explored how air power capabilities could be leveraged to improve security and drive socio-economic progress across the region.

The Commandant, Air Force War College, Air Vice Marshal Gambo Mbaka, told officers at 8 Division that participants were split into three teams for coordinated field engagements across the North West.

“Team A is in Sokoto State, Team B went to Kebbi State while Team C is in Zamfara State,” he stated.