By Hyacinth Nwafor
The 81 Division of the Nigerian Army has commenced an investigation into an alleged disciplinary incident involving a female student of Command Secondary School, Ipaja, Lagos, following the circulation of a video on social media that has triggered widespread public concern.
The Army, in a statement issued on Thursday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Musa Yahaya, assured parents, guardians and members of the public that the incident is receiving serious attention and is currently under a thorough review.
The statement noted that preliminary findings revealed that the incident occurred on February 26, 2026, during afternoon academic activities when the Field Officer of the Week embarked on a routine inspection of classrooms within the school.
According to the Division, the inspection exercise was aimed at ensuring compliance with school regulations, particularly in relation to proper dressing, attendance in classrooms and maintenance of discipline among students.
During the inspection, several students were reportedly found to be improperly dressed, prompting the confiscation of slippers worn by some of them in line with the school’s established disciplinary guidelines.
The report further indicated that during the exercise, a Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) student from Rhino House was sighted wearing sportswear without footwear.
When questioned by the inspecting officer, the student allegedly stated that her footwear had earlier been seized by a soldier. However, subsequent inquiries reportedly revealed that the student had voluntarily handed over her canvas shoes to a classmate prior to the inspection.
Preliminary findings also suggested that the student had made a caricature of the inspecting officer in the presence of other students, a development that may have contributed to the ensuing disciplinary action captured in the viral video.
The Army expressed concern over the incident and regretted any distress the development may have caused the student, her family and members of the public, reiterating that the welfare, dignity and safety of students in all Command schools remain of paramount importance.
Consequently, the officer involved is currently under investigation, while the Division has commenced a broader review of disciplinary procedures within Command schools to ensure that corrective measures are administered responsibly and strictly in accordance with established standards. The Army urged the public to remain calm as the investigation runs its full course, assuring that appropriate administrative actions will be taken where necessary to prevent a recurrence.