The Nigerian Army announced on Tuesday that the closure of Banex Plaza in Wuse 2 was due to an attack on unarmed soldiers by hoodlums last Saturday. Banex Plaza is known for its numerous shops selling electronic gadgets, phones, and laptops.
Director of Army Public Relations, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, explained that the decision to close the plaza was made after a meeting with its management. The aim was to identify and apprehend the perpetrators who have been using the area as a safe haven, thereby posing a security threat to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“This measure is part of a broader effort to conduct an extensive investigation at the scene to understand both the immediate and underlying causes of the attack,” said Major General Nwachukwu. “The ultimate goal is to ensure the security of the FCT and to prevent such unwarranted attacks on military personnel and other security operatives.”
The Army will also investigate the circumstances surrounding the presence of its personnel at the plaza and the subsequent attack. Major General Nwachukwu condemned the violence against the soldiers, warning that such acts could lead to a breakdown of law and order and threaten national security.
The incident occurred on Saturday, May 18, 2024, when hoodlums launched a brutal attack on some Nigerian Army personnel at Banex Plaza. Soldiers and policemen on internal security duties intervened swiftly, rescuing the attacked personnel from being lynched.
“The soldiers were unarmed, did not engage in any form of aggression, and posed no threat to anyone. Therefore, the cruel treatment they received was entirely unwarranted and unjustifiable,” Nwachukwu added.
The Nigerian Army urged the public to exercise caution and restraint when dealing with military personnel and other security operatives, especially when they are in uniform. Major General Nwachukwu emphasized the importance of using established channels to report grievances or misconduct by security personnel to maintain order and respect for those who serve and protect the nation.
