Gov. Sanwo-Olu Invited Us To Quell ENDSARS Protest, But We Did Not Shoot Protesters — Nigerian Army

The 81 Division of the Nigerian Army (NA) has denied allegation
soldiers opened fire on #ENDSARS protesters at the Lekki Toll Plaza
last Tuesday.

In a statement by the Acting Director Army Public Relations
(ADPR), Major Osoba Olaniyi, the Division however confirmed the
involvement of soldiers in restoring order in Lagos following the
declaration of curfew by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

This is the first time the division is speaking about the
incident that occurred last week.

It said: “The attention of Headquarters 81 Division Nigerian
Army has been drawn to a viral video on social media in which it
was alleged that civilian protesters were massacred by soldiers at
Lekki Toll Plaza. This allegation is untrue, unfounded, and aimed
at causing anarchy in the country.

“At no time did soldiers of the Nigerian Army open fire on any
civilian. From the onset of the ENDSARS protest, there was no time
personnel of 81 Division Nigerian Army Lagos were involved.

“However, the decision to call in the military was taken by the
Lagos State Government (LASG) after a 24- hour curfew was
imposed.

“This was as a result of the violence which led to several
police stations being burnt, policemen killed, suspects in police
custody released and weapons carted away.

“The situation was fast degenerating into anarchy. It was at
this point that LASG requested for the military to intervene in
order to restore normalcy.

“The intervention of the military followed all laid down
procedures for Internal Security operations and all the soldiers
involved acted within the confines of the Rules of Engagement (ROE)
for Internal Security operations.

“Finally, Headquarters 81 Division Nigerian Army reiterates
Nigerian Army in the discharge of its constitutional
responsibilities did not shoot at any civilian as there are glaring
and convincing evidence to attest to this fact.

“This allegation is the hand work of mischief makers who will
stop at nothing to tarnish the image of the Nigerian Army. The
general public is hereby enjoined to discountenance this allegation
as there is no iota of truth therein.”

The 81 Division of the Nigerian Army (NA) has denied allegation
soldiers opened fire on #ENDSARS protesters at the Lekki Toll Plaza
last Tuesday.

In a statement by the Acting Director Army Public Relations
(ADPR), Major Osoba Olaniyi, the Division however confirmed the
involvement of soldiers in restoring order in Lagos following the
declaration of curfew by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

This is the first time the division is speaking about the
incident that occurred last week.

It said: “The attention of Headquarters 81 Division Nigerian
Army has been drawn to a viral video on social media in which it
was alleged that civilian protesters were massacred by soldiers at
Lekki Toll Plaza. This allegation is untrue, unfounded, and aimed
at causing anarchy in the country.

“At no time did soldiers of the Nigerian Army open fire on any
civilian. From the onset of the ENDSARS protest, there was no time
personnel of 81 Division Nigerian Army Lagos were involved.

“However, the decision to call in the military was taken by the
Lagos State Government (LASG) after a 24- hour curfew was
imposed.

“This was as a result of the violence which led to several
police stations being burnt, policemen killed, suspects in police
custody released and weapons carted away.

“The situation was fast degenerating into anarchy. It was at
this point that LASG requested for the military to intervene in
order to restore normalcy.

“The intervention of the military followed all laid down
procedures for Internal Security operations and all the soldiers
involved acted within the confines of the Rules of Engagement (ROE)
for Internal Security operations.

“Finally, Headquarters 81 Division Nigerian Army reiterates
Nigerian Army in the discharge of its constitutional
responsibilities did not shoot at any civilian as there are glaring
and convincing evidence to attest to this fact.

“This allegation is the hand work of mischief makers who will
stop at nothing to tarnish the image of the Nigerian Army. The
general public is hereby enjoined to discountenance this allegation
as there is no iota of truth therein.”