Why We Shutdown Abuja Banex Plaza – Army

The Nigerian Army has said that it agreed with the management of the popular Banex Plaza in Wuse II District of Abuja, to shut down the shopping complex to it apprehend hoodlums that attacked its personnel as well as clear the area of people using the complex as a sanctuary that constitute security threat to the Federal Capital Territory.

The Army also said that there was the need for an extensive investigation to be conducted at the scene to determine both the immediate and underlying causes of the mayhem that took place on Saturday, May 18, 2024.

A statement by Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director, Army Public Relations, said the investigation ultimately aims at ensuring the security of the Federal Capital Territory and to prevent such unwarranted attacks on its personnel and other security operatives, as has been observed in other areas, such as the unfortunate attack in Okuama, Delta State.

Forefront News recalled that there was an unrest at the Banex Plaza on Saturday, May 18, 2024 during which some Army personnel alleged to have escorted a customer to a shop to replace a purchased faulty phone, were attacked by yet to be identified hoodlums.

General Nwachukwu said the shutting down of the Plaza followed a meeting held with the management of Banex Plaza to identify and apprehend the perpetrators of the heinous act.

He said that the swift intervention by soldiers and policemen on internal security duties salvaged the situation and rescued the attacked personnel from being lynched by the hoodlums.

Nwachukwu further said; “It is important to note that the soldiers attacked were unarmed, did not engage in any form of aggression, and posed no threat to anyone. The cruel treatment meted out to them was entirely unwarranted and unjustifiable”.

The Army spokesman however assured that there would be diligent investigation of the circumstances surrounding the presence of the personnel at the plaza and the attack that ensued, stressing that such acts of violence against personnel were not only condemnable, but could degenerate to a breakdown of law and order, thereby orchestrating threats to national security.

General Nwachukwu appealed to members of the public to exercise caution and restraint in dealing with military personnel and other security operatives, especially when they are in uniform, saying that there are established channels through which grievances or misconduct by personnel could be reported to the appropriate authorities.

According to Nwachukwu; “It is imperative that these channels are utilised to maintain order and respect for those who serve and protect our nation”.