The Nigerian Army has agreed to the demand by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) for the release of soldiers who last Saturday tortured a robbery suspect at Mararraba, Nasarawa State.

The soldiers were exposed via a photograph published on the front page of yesterday’s edition of the Abuja-based Daily Trust newspaper.

In the photograph, six soldiers are seen standing by and watching one of their colleagues flogging a civilian, stripped and made to roll on muddy ground close to the gutter, with a big stick. Also watching are some civilians and a policeman.

The acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman said in a statement that, “I wish to inform the commission and the public that all those involved would be released to the NHRC after carrying out our investigation in accordance with our regulations.”

In an earlier statement, Col. Usman had disclosed that “the perpetrators of the offence have been identified, summoned and would face disciplinary action.”

He added:“There is no doubt the photograph has done incalculable damage to the image of the service. The act was unfortunate and at variance with military ethics and professionalism. We wish to assure the public that the Nigerian Army would continue to protect and respect human rights and that this regrettable incidence should not be used as a yardstick to judge the entire Army.”

•Photo courtesy of Daily Trust shows soldiers punishing the suspected robber . . . last Saturday at Mararaba, Nasarawa State.