Army Opens Probe Into Captain Over Alleged Abuse of Minor

​JOS — The Nigerian Army has launched a formal investigation into grave allegations of sexual abuse involving a serving officer, Captain Etim Essien, attached to the Headquarters of the 3 Division in Jos, Plateau State.

​The high-profile inquiry follows widespread reports circulating across digital platforms alleging that the officer and his household were linked to the exploitation of a vulnerable 13-year-old minor. Sources familiar with the matter indicate that the case has also drawn the active attention of civil human rights organizations and statutory child development authorities.

​In an official statement addressing the controversy, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for 3 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Olumide Victor Olukoya, emphasized that the military institution maintains a zero-tolerance stance toward offenses targeting minors and vulnerable persons.

​”The Nigerian Army takes all allegations of sexual abuse, particularly those involving minors and other vulnerable persons, with utmost seriousness. Accordingly, appropriate steps have been initiated to establish the facts and circumstances surrounding the reported incident,” the statement read.

​While military authorities have moved swiftly to open an internal inquiry, the command cautioned against premature conclusions or public trials while the investigation is active. The army noted that it would be legally and procedurally premature to establish culpability until the investigative process reaches a definitive conclusion.

​Assuring the public of absolute transparency, the military high command confirmed it is actively collaborating with relevant civil law enforcement and human rights authorities handling parallel inquiries into the matter.

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​”The Nigerian Army is also aware that the relevant civil authorities are looking into the matter and will cooperate fully with them to ensure that the allegation is thoroughly and transparently investigated in accordance with extant laws and regulations,” the army stated.

​Reiterating its commitment to institutional accountability, the military underscored that discipline and respect for human dignity remain foundational pillars of the service. Officials assured that any personnel found to have breached military law or established service regulations upon the conclusion of the probe will face severe disciplinary sanctions.

​In the meantime, the army has appealed to members of the public and commentators on social media to halt the dissemination of unverified details. Authorities stressed that reckless speculation risks prejudicing the ongoing inquiry and infringes upon the legal privacy and psychological wellbeing of the minor involved.

​The military promised to provide further updates to the public as legal requirements and the integrity of the investigative procedure permit.