Godfrey George writes about the allegations of sexual harassment in Nigeria’s military

As a child, Toochi (surname withheld) had a masculine gait that made heads turn whenever she walked. At 14, an aunt who had recently retired from the Nigerian Air Force advised her to join the military. She got the application forms for recruitment into the army, navy, and airforce but could not get in her first attempt.

After three trials, she eventually was recruited into the army and was to attend the training school, but that was the beginning of her ordeal.

Her dad had fallen sick three weeks before she was invited to camp for training. Her mum, still mourning, told her to shelve the idea of joining the army. Toochi said her mother had not been in support.

“My mother was particular about the training because the place I was to resume was far from our home in Abia State.

“As an only daughter in a home of four boys, my mother made sure to discourage me, especially after my father’s death. But, I really wanted to make everyone proud. I knew I would do well in the force. I had the energy. I had the height. I had all it took and I had an aunt to look up to. It was not a hard decision to make.

“After much in-fighting, my mother reluctantly gave me her blessings and I left. I didn’t even attend my dad’s burial because I was still in camp,” she said.

Toochi said the training was held in one of the states in the North, adding that the day she arrived was the day her problem began.

“I had shaved my hair, according to the instructions we received and I was fully ready to begin my journey in the force. I thought it would be an exciting ride because it was what I had always wanted to do.

“But, I was shocked when an officer approached me, asking me to be his ‘baby’,” she said.

She said she did not understand what it was but confided in a friend in camp who told her that the same officer had also approached her and several other girls in the camp.

“I was still very young and was ready to take the world by storm but this man wanted to destroy my life. He kept on applying pressure and when I was adamant, he started to intentionally punish me.

“The mistake I made was to report him to another superior officer. They both made the camp a living hell for me. I spent most of my time serving different punishments and not the main reason I was there, which was to train and become better.

“I slept in the mud, rolled on the floor, sat facing the sun and I almost lost my sight from not sleeping enough. But, there was really nothing I could do. The other girls, I learnt, who refused to give in also went through something similar or even worse.

“I can tell you for a fact that most of the officers are really cruel,” she said.

To make matters worse, Toochi said when she eventually concluded her training, she was posted to work as an administrative assistant under the same man whom she had accused of abusing her.

“When I saw my letter, I cried for hours. I was confused. I told another soldier (name withheld) and she told me that she had been posted to the infantry.

“Working with that man was like working for the devil. The two years I spent there were the worst in my life. I told myself that I would leave. I tried confiding in a senior female officer and she told me that there was nothing she could do.

“She even advised me to ‘keep it down’ if I really wanted to stay,” she added.

Threats, resignation

Toochi told Saturday PUNCH that she received a phone call from her boss one night, threatening to deal with her if she kept on being adamant. At that point, she said she was fed up and decided to resign.

That, too, was another struggle, as her letters, according to her, were torn three times by her superior.

A military source told our correspondent that resigning from the Nigerian Army must take a formal process that female soldiers must follow.

The source explained that while the specific procedures might vary slightly depending on individual circumstances and the policies in place at the time, the general process typically involved notification to a chain of command, submission of resignation letter, processing of resignation, exit interview and clearance, approval of resignation and transition to civilian life.

For notification to the chain of command, the source said, “The first step for a female soldier wishing to resign from the Nigerian Army is to notify her immediate superior officer of her intention to resign. This notification should be made in writing and submitted through the proper channels as prescribed by military regulations.”

The military source also noted that the soldier in question must formally submit a resignation letter to her commanding officer or the appropriate authority within her unit or formation.

“The resignation letter should clearly state the soldier’s intention to resign from the army and specify the effective date of resignation. The letter should be addressed to the appropriate military authority and include the soldier’s name, rank, service number, and contact information.

“Upon receipt of the resignation letter, the military authorities will initiate the process of verifying the soldier’s request and determining the eligibility for resignation. This may involve conducting administrative checks, verifying the soldier’s service record, and ensuring that all necessary documentation is in order”, the source said.

“Before the resignation is finalised, the soldier may be required to undergo an exit interview with military personnel or human resources staff (members). During this interview, the soldier may be asked to provide feedback on her reasons for resigning and to complete any necessary paperwork related to her departure from the army.

“Additionally, the soldier may be required to complete clearance procedures, which may include returning military equipment, uniforms, and other property issued during her service.

“Once all necessary checks and procedures have been completed, the soldier’s resignation will be reviewed and approved by the appropriate military authority. The effective date of resignation will be determined based on the soldier’s service obligations and the terms of her enlistment contract.

“After resigning from the Nigerian Army, the female soldier will transition to civilian life. Depending on her circumstances, she may be eligible for certain benefits or entitlements, such as severance pay, pension contributions, or access to reintegration programs and support services,” the source added.

Saturday PUNCH further gathered that it was important for female soldiers considering resignation from the Nigerian Army to consult with their superiors or military legal advisors to ensure that they understand the requirements and implications of the resignation process.

“Soldiers should be aware that resigning from the army may have legal, financial, and personal consequences, and they should plan accordingly for their transition to civilian life,” the source added.

However, Toochi claimed she followed the official routes to leaving the force but was denied the opportunity to do so for four years, leaving her in a depressive state.

“I was going back and forth and was in serious depression and abuse. I didn’t know what to do. I had no support. I was victimised. When I remember what I went through, it brings me so much pain,” she added.

She said though she was eventually allowed to exit the force after all she went through, she did not feel safe.

“Immediately I left, I developed paranoia. The threats I received keep replaying in my head. I only just came back to Nigeria from Benin Republic a few weeks ago, and have not spoken about my experience anywhere,” she disclosed.

Asked if she reported the case to a lawyer or a human rights organisation, she said, “Human rights? What human rights? There are a lot of things I cannot say about the force on record even though I have left.

“Anything can happen and I still cherish my life. I am not married yet and I have no kids so I have a whole life ahead of me.”

The Ogunleye case

Early in January 2024, a female soldier, identified as Ruth Ogunleye, alleged some superior officers harassed her for sex against her will.

The female soldier said she was being victimised and maltreated because she refused to give in to her superiors’ sexual advances.

Sharing her experiences on TikTok under her handle, @ogunleyeruthsavage1, she stated that some male superior officers, including two colonels and one brigadier general, had made life unbearable for her since she joined the Nigerian Army.

She alleged that one of them made repeated attempts to assault her by administering injections against her will. She also alleged that he orchestrated her removal from her residence, and confined her to a psychiatric hospital for several months.

Ogunleye stated that the officer had hindered her career advancement by denying her promotional courses because she rejected his sexual advances.

Army reacts

Reacting to the development in a post on X (formerly Twitter), the Nigerian Army urged the public to allow the investigative process to take its full course, while noting that it was committed to upholding the integrity and morals of its personnel.

The statement read, “We assure the general public that the Nigerian Army as an institution is committed to upholding the integrity and morals of its personnel, and as such appropriate actions will be taken based on the findings of the investigation.

“We urge the public to allow the investigative process to take its course and refrain from making hasty judgments. The NA remains dedicated to serving our nation with honour and integrity.”

Early on, the Director of Army Public Relations, Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, slammed the female soldier, adding that she did not seek redress by the laid-down procedure.

He, however, noted that the Nigerian Army would investigate Ogunleye’s allegations.

Women Affairs ministry’s intervention

The Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, days after Ogunleye’s viral video, visited the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, at the high command in Abuja over the case of a female soldier. In a statement issued by the minister’s media aide, Ohaeri Joseph, after the visit to the army chief, Kennedy-Ohanenye said she was adequately updated on the efforts the army had put in place towards resolving the matter.

She was also “informed with documented evidence that the lady’s salary was never stopped as she was paid up to December 2023.”

I regret joining the army – Lance corporal

Like Ogunleye, Lance Corporal Philomena Nnamoko is not enjoying her stay in the army at all.

Speaking in an interview with Saturday PUNCH, Nnamoko alleged that her superiors refused to grant her discharge request after several maltreatments because she refused to yield to their sexual advances.

The 39-year-old, who hails from Enugu State, said joining the army was driven by the loss of her husband and the need to provide for her 23-year-old son.

She said, “I had no other job opportunities and lacked the funds to improve my situation.”

Narrating an experience she claimed happened on May 29, 2018, the soldier said, “I approached a fellow soldier to greet him when I went to use the toilet at night, but I received no response and mentioned his name to inform him that I had greeted him. In response, he asked me to greet him properly and expressed his unwillingness to respond to female soldiers.

“I informed him that we harboured no animosity, but he had a desire to physically harm me. This took place in the evening when there were no witnesses.

“It was at that time that I excused myself to use the restroom. Upon exiting, I noticed someone by the door; he then proceeded to warn me against repeating my actions. I felt ashamed and suffocated, leading to punishment.

“At that moment, a colleague intervened and informed him of my ill health, but he beat me so harshly that my wrapper fell off, leaving only my pants.”

Nnamoko told our correspondent that she felt immense sadness that night and retreated to her room to get dressed.

She said she reported the incident to the National Youth Service Corps camp commandant, who, according to her, assaulted her to the point of losing consciousness. She also said the human rights department in the force did not handle the matter professionally.

Citing another incident that happened the same year, she said a captain had accused her of not greeting him. The lance corporal said that despite attempting to explain that she hadn’t noticed him, the captain began to threaten her, suggesting she leave the job if she were tired of it.

Nnamoko said that at that point, she decided to quit the job. Upon returning home, she gathered her belongings outside, seeking a vehicle to transport her, but was denied access to the barracks.

She said she was sent back to Ijebu-Ode on October 26, 2022, she was instructed to report to the intelligence squad on November 1.

She also noted that her acting commanding officer advised her to relax, assuring her that her discharge request would soon be approved.

Subsequently, another female lieutenant requested she write another voluntary discharge letter, making it the 10^th letter written.

But despite assurances of approval within days, Nnamoko said her name was not included, though three sets of names were approved the previous year, none of which included hers.

Additionally, her bank account was blocked by their new commanding officer.

It was later reopened on December 22, 2023, but she claimed not to have any money in it, adding that no salary had been paid to her since October 2023.

A few days after the soldier cried out, she was allegedly sent to the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Yaba. Her son, Emmanuel Brown, cried out and was allegedly picked up and detained by the Nigerian Army for doing so.

Efforts to speak with the Director of Army Public Relations, Maj. Gen. Nwachukwu Onyema, proved abortive.

His phone number was unreachable and had yet to respond to multiple text messages sent to his line as of the time of filing this report.

But the spokesperson of the 35 Artillery Brigade, Lt. Mohammed Goni, had said, “The whole concept of your story is not correct and you didn’t contact me at that point to clarify issues to you.

“I can’t give you fictitious information to work with. Come let’s go for investigative journalism so you can see for yourself; you can’t write such a sensitive report without having factual proof.”

Raped by superior

However, the 2021 ECOWAS Court verdict in favour of a Nigerian Air Force aircraftwoman (name withheld), who was raped by her superior officer and was dismissed from the service after she made a complaint, has raised concerns about similar cases that may have been gagged in the military.

The ECOWAS ruling of April 30, 2021, which withheld the name of the aircraftwoman who was awarded $200,000 in damages, underscored the deep problem of sexual-based violence in Nigeria and the victimisation of women.

The female member of NAF recounted to the court how her desperate attempts to resist being raped were overpowered by the superior officer, who repeatedly slammed her head against the wall.

According to the website of the court, despite her losing consciousness, he continued with the assault, while evidence indicated that he had drugged her before the incident on May 17, 2011.

It stated that despite medical evidence showing sexually transmitted infections and severe health consequences, including chronic pelvic inflammatory disease, leading to a mass near her uterus, she was unlawfully dismissed from service.

Upon her enrolment in the Nigerian Air Force with Service No NAF10/25157F, she could not have foreseen that her military career would end in such a tragic manner. She was reportedly frequently confined to the guardroom without cause, given duties as punishment, and physically assaulted to the point of unconsciousness while nude.

Furthermore, she received death threats from various officers for daring to expose the rape.

A notation in her file, according to the court, indicated she was not to be promoted alongside her peers until her wrongful dismissal, which was executed accordingly.

A squadron leader, according to her, unjustly subjected her to rifle punishment for reporting the rape incident from September 28 to October 1, 2015.

Justice Dupe Atoki of the ECOWAS Court, in delivering the verdict, condemned the treatment the victim endured as inhumane. The failure of the Nigerian Air Force and relevant authorities to investigate and serve justice was also deemed an act of impunity.

The court ordered the Nigerian Air Force and authorities to apprehend, investigate, and prosecute the perpetrator, questioning the adequacy of monetary compensation for the harrowing experience endured by the victim.

Sexual misconduct

A lawyer, Thomas Igwe, described sexual misconduct in the military as any deliberate or repeated and unwelcome verbal comment or gesture of a sexual nature by any member of the armed forces or civilian employee of the defence department.

He also added that the Nigerian Armed Forces Act of 1993 (Cap A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004) did not contain specific provisions addressing the sexual abuse of female soldiers by superior officers.

Igwe noted that the Act, however, provided a general framework for discipline, conduct, and administration within the Nigerian military, which could encompass various forms of misconduct, including sexual abuse.

According to him, key provisions of the Armed Forces Act relevant to addressing misconduct by military personnel, including superior officers, include sections 103, 114, and 122.

Section 103, titled, “Power to Make Regulations”, reads, “This section empowers military authorities to establish regulations and orders for the discipline, administration, and organisation of the armed forces. These regulations may include provisions governing professional conduct, ethical standards, and measures to prevent and address misconduct.”

Section 114, titled, “Offences by Officers and Soldiers” reads, “This section outlines various offences that may be committed by military personnel, including officers and soldiers. While specific offences related to sexual abuse may not be enumerated, the act broadly prohibits conduct prejudicial to good order and military discipline.”

For Section 122, titled, “Disciplinary Powers of Commanding Officers”, commanding officers within the armed forces are granted disciplinary powers under this section.

“They are authorised to enforce discipline, maintain order, and take appropriate disciplinary action against military personnel under their command who commit offences,” it read.

Igwe further told Saturday PUNCH that victims of sexual abuse within the Nigerian military were encouraged to report incidents through their chain of command or to appropriate military authorities, who were responsible for investigating complaints and taking disciplinary action as necessary.

Reporting sexual abuse in the military

Our correspondent gathered that reporting sexual abuse by superiors in the Nigerian military can be a complex and challenging process, but there are procedures in place to address such grievances.

It’s important to note that the Nigerian Armed Forces comprises the Army, Navy, and Air Force, each with its regulations and procedures.

A retired soldier who did not want her name in print said any soldier who was abused and wished to report must know the laws and regulations on how matters like that could be reported.

“Before proceeding with any report, it’s crucial for female soldiers to familiarise themselves with the laws and regulations governing the Nigerian military.

“Key documents include the Armed Forces Act and Code of Conduct for the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

“Female soldiers who experience sexual abuse should document the incident as soon as possible. This includes writing down details such as dates, times, locations, and descriptions of the abuse.

“They should also gather any available evidence, such as witness statements or physical evidence if applicable,” she said.

Speaking further, the former soldier noted that the first step in reporting sexual abuse was typically to report the incident to one’s immediate superior officer who might be within the same unit or a higher-ranking officer, depending on the circumstances.

“The victim should follow the chain of command as prescribed by military protocol. It is essential for victims of sexual abuse to seek support from trusted colleagues, friends, or family members.

“They may also seek assistance from military chaplains or counseling services provided by the military. If the initial report to the immediate superior does not lead to a resolution or if the superior officer is the perpetrator, the victim can file a formal complaint with the appropriate military authorities.

“This might involve submitting a written statement detailing the incident to the relevant department or office responsible for handling complaints and investigations,” she said.

She noted that upon receiving a formal complaint, the military authorities were obligated to investigate the matter thoroughly. The investigation, she said, might involve interviews with the victim, witnesses, and the accused, as well as gathering and analysing evidence.

“If the investigation finds evidence of wrongdoing, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken according to military regulations.

“In addition to internal military proceedings, victims of sexual abuse in the Nigerian military have the option to pursue legal recourse through civilian courts. They can seek assistance from legal professionals specialising in military law or human rights law,” she added.

Impact of sexual abuse on serving female soldiers

In Nigeria, the brave women who serve in the military face a battle that extends beyond the front lines—a battle against the very forces meant to be their allies.

Within the ranks of the Nigerian Armed Forces, reports of sexual abuse by superiors against female soldiers have surfaced, shedding light on a dark reality that threatens the safety, well-being, and morale of these dedicated servicewomen.

According to a social commentator and sociologist, Mrs Tanbo Sambo, sexual abuse within the military is a complex issue rooted in power dynamics, institutional failures, and gender inequality.

“In Nigeria, where the military plays a significant role in peacekeeping missions and combating internal threats, the hierarchical structure of command creates an environment ripe for exploitation. Female troops, often in positions of vulnerability, find themselves at the mercy of their superiors, who wield unchecked authority over their careers and livelihoods,” she said.

Speaking on what she termed “the consequence of silence,” Sambo said, “One of the most insidious aspects of sexual abuse within the military is the culture of silence that surrounds it. Fear of retaliation, ostracisation, and career repercussions silences many victims, perpetuating a cycle of abuse and impunity.

“In Nigeria, where reporting mechanisms are often inadequate or nonexistent, female troops face significant barriers to seeking justice and support. As a result, many suffer in silence, their trauma compounded by the betrayal of trust and the lack of recourse.”

A psychologist, Henry TamunoIbiene, told Saturday PUNCH female soldiers who faced sexual abuse suffered mental health issues, including shame and post-traumatic stress disorder.

He said, “The psychological toll of sexual abuse on female troops cannot be overstated. Survivors often grapple with feelings of shame, guilt, and isolation, leading to profound mental health consequences such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.”

Erosion of trust, morale

Trust is the bedrock of any military organisation, essential for cohesive teamwork and mission success. When superiors betray that trust through acts of sexual abuse, it fractures the foundation of the unit and undermines morale.

For TamunoIbiene, female troops who no longer feel safe or supported by their leadership may become disillusioned with their roles, leading to decreased motivation, job dissatisfaction, and ultimately, attrition.

“The loss of skilled and dedicated servicewomen further weakens the effectiveness of the military and hampers its ability to fulfill its mandate.

“Sexual abuse by superiors against female troops in Nigeria represents a grave violation of trust, dignity, and human rights. The pervasive nature of this issue undermines the integrity of the military institution and compromises its effectiveness in protecting the nation.

“Addressing the root causes of sexual abuse, fostering a culture of accountability, and providing support for survivors are essential steps in ensuring the safety and well-being of female troops and upholding the principles of justice and equality within the Nigerian Armed Forces.

“Decisive action must be taken to confront this scourge and create a military environment where all personnel are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness,” he added.

Barriers to justice and accountability

But despite international conventions and domestic laws prohibiting sexual abuse and harassment, accountability remains elusive within the Nigerian military.

Legal obstacles, lack of independent oversight, and a culture of impunity shield perpetrators from facing consequences for their actions.

A lawyer, Tumini Pepple, said, “The hierarchical nature of the military often perpetuates a ‘boys’ club’ mentality, where complaints by female troops are dismissed or ignored by those in power.

“Without meaningful accountability measures in place, the cycle of abuse persists, perpetuating a culture of fear and injustice.”

What can be done?

A retired military defence chief, who did not want to be named, told Saturday PUNCH that addressing the issue of sexual abuse within the Nigerian military required a multifaceted approach that prioritised prevention, accountability, and support for survivors.

“Firstly, robust reporting mechanisms must be established to ensure that victims can safely report incidents of abuse without fear of reprisal. Additionally, comprehensive training programmes on gender sensitivity, consent, and respect must be implemented at all levels of the military hierarchy to foster a culture of respect and equality.

“Moreover, there must be swift and impartial investigations into allegations of sexual abuse, with perpetrators held accountable through disciplinary action and, when warranted, criminal prosecution. Efforts to strengthen oversight mechanisms, such as independent review boards or ombudsman offices, can help ensure transparency and accountability within the military justice system,” he said.

Army mum

When our correspondent reached out to Nwachukwu for a comment, his line rang out. He also has yet to respond to text messages sent to his mobile number.

Our correspondent also reached out to the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, who responded on Friday via a text, referring our correspondent back to General Nwachukwu.

“Greetings, Godfrey. I may have to refer you to Maj. Gen. Nwachukwu, the Public Relations Officer for the Nigerian Army. He is better placed to provide answers to your questions, please,” Buba wrote.

Our correspondent called General Nwachukwu but his line was unreachable.

He had also yet to respond to text messages sent to his line as of press time. (Saturday PUNCH)

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