The Nigerian Army has dismissed allegations of forced labour, unlawful detention and human rights abuses involving civilians at the Mammy Market area of Eburutu Barracks, Calabar.
The Headquarters of 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army, described the claims circulating online as “false, misleading, and unsubstantiated.”
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by Yemi Sokoya, a Major and Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters 13 Brigade Nigerian Army, the Brigade said there was “no policy or practice under 13 Brigade or 146 Battalion that authorises forced labour, midnight raids, unlawful detention, or the maltreatment of civilians.”
Reacting to an online publication, the Army explained that routine sanitation activities carried out within the barracks, including the Mammy Market area, were communal and voluntary, involving both soldiers and civilians.
“Routine environmental sanitation activities within the barracks, including the Mammy Market, are communal, non-coercive measures aimed solely at maintaining hygiene and safety,” the statement said, adding that such activities “do not constitute forced labour and are not enforced through intimidation or punishment.”
The Brigade also denied allegations of an illegal ₦1,000 levy allegedly imposed on residents and traders within the barracks.
“The Brigade also disassociates itself from any alleged collection of a ₦1,000 ‘pass’ levy, stating that no such levy is authorised,” it said.
According to the Army, any individual or group found carrying out unauthorised activities in the name of the Nigerian Army would be investigated and sanctioned if formally reported.
“Any unauthorised activity carried out in the name of the Nigerian Army would be investigated and appropriately sanctioned if reported,” the statement added.
The 13 Brigade further stated that it operates under strict command oversight and established Nigerian Army human rights policies, noting that no formal complaint had been received to support the allegations.
“No formal complaint or credible evidence has been received by the Brigade or higher headquarters to substantiate the claims contained in the publication,” it said.
The Army urged members of the public to disregard the report and rely on information from official channels, while also calling on media organisations to verify allegations before publication.
“Members of the public are urged to disregard the report and rely on verified information from official Nigerian Army channels,” the statement said, stressing that the Brigade remains “professional, disciplined, and committed to the protection of lives and property and the maintenance of cordial civil-military relations.”
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