Army vows thorough probe, seeks evidence in UNIOSUN assault

The Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, has said it has not received any formal complaint or credible evidence to substantiate rape allegations reportedly linked to some recently passed-out personnel, even as it reaffirmed that an ongoing investigation into allegations of misconduct would be thorough and transparent.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Depot Nigerian Army Osogbo, Major Ibrahim Yahaya, the military said the Board of Inquiry earlier constituted to investigate allegations against its personnel remains at work.

“The Nigerian Army and by extension Depot Nigerian Army Osogbo, remains fully committed to a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into all allegations of unprofessional conduct. The Board of Inquiry earlier constituted is ongoing and will leave no stone unturned,” the statement said.

It added that “any personnel found culpable will be dealt with in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other extant laws,” stressing that “the Army remain professional and does not condone indiscipline.”

Addressing rape allegations circulating on social media, the Army said the claims had not been formally reported to the authorities.

“At this time, Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo has not received any formal complaint, medical report, or credible evidence from any alleged victim, witness, or the University Management to substantiate the claim of rape by our personnel,” the statement said.

The Army noted that the allegations had been attributed to the Vice Chancellor of Osun State University, Professor Odunayo Clement Adebooye, and amplified on social media platforms.

“In the absence of such concrete evidence, we view the widespread circulation of this specific allegation as unconfirmed and potentially misleading to the public,” it stated.

The military urged members of the public to avoid actions that could undermine the ongoing investigation.

Related News No leakage in 2026 WASSCE despite hitches – WAEC

Three security personnel killed as troops foil Borno ISWAP attack

Troops bust illegal arms factory, arrest two in Kebbi

“We therefore urge all parties to refrain from actions or statements that may prejudice the ongoing investigation or inflame tensions,” the statement said.

The Army also appealed directly to alleged victims and witnesses to come forward with evidence.

“You are kindly requested to come forward and present your evidence directly and confidentially to the Board of Inquiry at the Headquarters, Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, or through the Army Public Relations Office. Your identity and safety will be protected in line with military and legal procedures. This is the only credible path to identifying and prosecuting the culprits if they exist,” it said.

The statement further appealed to “the Media, NANS, University Management and the general public to avoid the spread of unverified information,” warning that “sensationalism and disinformation only hinder the search for truth and can cause unnecessary panic among students and host communities.”

Reaffirming its position, the Depot Nigerian Army said it remained committed to “civil-military cooperation, the protection of students, and the upholding of human rights,” adding that it would continue to provide updates as the investigation progresses.

The statement follows allegations by the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Southwest Zone D, against some personnel of the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo.

In response, the Army on June 30 announced an investigation, saying it would “ascertain the facts of the incident and bring perpetrators to justice.”

The military also invited NANS to submit “all evidence and witness statements” and assured that “any personnel found guilty will face the full weight of military law.”