The Nigerian Army has withdrawn its troops from Banex Plaza in Abuja, allowing hundreds of traders to resume their businesses.
This development may be linked to public criticism of the army’s closure of the plaza, which was described as both inhumane and a violation of national and international laws.
The closure was enforced after a conflict on May 18, 2024, between soldiers and a shop owner escalated into a brawl involving unidentified hoodlums and army personnel. Troops were deployed to enforce the closure the following day.
In a recent update, Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, provided details on the incident and the subsequent resolution.
He explained that a high-level meeting was held in the Office of the National Security Adviser. Attendees included senior officials from the Nigerian Army, the Police, the Department of State Services, Banex Plaza management, the Abuja Environmental Protection Board, and the Mobile Phone Traders Association.
The primary aim of the meeting was to identify and apprehend the perpetrators while ensuring the continued security of the Federal Capital Territory. Several resolutions were reached during the meeting: the immediate reopening of Banex Plaza, the closure of Shop C93 involved in the initial conflict, the arrest of the shop owners who incited the mob attack, and increased vigilance by market leaders to report any further incidents.
Nwachukwu emphasized that the Nigerian Army would investigate the circumstances surrounding the presence of its personnel at the plaza and the subsequent attack. He condemned the violence against military personnel, highlighting the threat it poses to national security and public order.
The public was urged to exercise caution and follow established channels to report grievances against military personnel to maintain order and respect.
He emphasized that the Nigerian Army remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens while working to prevent future incidents of this nature.
