The Headquarters of the 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army has dismissed allegations of rape and extortion levelled against its troops in a viral social media video linked to the Alesi–Ochon communal crisis in Cross River State.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 13 Brigade, Major Yemi Sokoya.
According to the statement, the allegations stem from a video circulating online which accused soldiers of misconduct during internal security operations carried out in September 2025 following clashes between the Alesi and Ochon communities.
“The allegations in the video are false, baseless and unsupported by any credible evidence,” the statement said.
It added that at no point during the operation did troops of the brigade engage in rape, extortion, looting or abuse of civilians.
“At no time during the operation did personnel of 13 Brigade engage in rape, extortion, looting or any form of abuse against civilians,” Sokoya said.
The army explained that troops were deployed strictly in aid of civil authorities to restore peace and operated under a clear command structure in line with the rules of engagement and the Nigerian Army’s zero-tolerance policy on human rights violations.
The statement noted that internal investigations were immediately initiated after the video surfaced.
“Upon becoming aware of the allegations, the 13 Brigade Nigerian Army conducted internal investigations through its Military Police and other relevant disciplinary channels. The investigations found no evidence to substantiate the claims,” it said.
According to the army, findings revealed that the allegations were deliberately contrived to undermine peace efforts and tarnish the image of the military.
The statement also referenced a report by investigative journalist Efio Ita, published on September 24, 2025, which reportedly suggested that the allegations were staged to discredit the Nigerian Army and erode its credibility in the crisis area.
The brigade said operational records, duty rosters and oversight mechanisms were maintained throughout the deployment to ensure accountability, stressing that no formal complaint backed by medical reports, police records or sworn statements had been submitted to any competent authority.
“To date, no formal complaint supported by verifiable medical reports, police records, sworn statements or identifiable witnesses has been submitted to substantiate the claims,” the statement added.
The army warned members of the public against spreading unverified narratives capable of inflaming communal tensions and undermining civil–military relations, urging individuals with genuine grievances to channel them through recognised authorities.
The brigade reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, accountability and the protection of lives and property within its area of responsibility.
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