Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
OSOGBO, Nigeria — The Nigerian Army Depot in Osogbo has ordered a full investigation into allegations that newly graduated recruits invaded student hostels of Osun State University (UNIOSUN), assaulted male students, sexually harassed female students, and looted phones and other valuables in a late-night rampage that has triggered outrage across the state and drawn condemnation from student leaders, women's groups, and the university's vice-chancellor.
The incident occurred on the night of Monday, June 29, 2026, when soldiers said to be from the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo — reportedly part of a batch that had just completed their passing-out parade on Saturday, June 27 — stormed about 20 student hostels in the areas around the UNIOSUN campus, including Cristalag and Kings and Queens hostels . According to multiple witness accounts, the recruits had earlier visited entertainment centres near the students' community before the situation escalated into violence .
Female students alleged that they were forced to strip naked and made to dance unclad by the rampaging soldiers, while others claimed they were sexually assaulted and subjected to indecent touching . Male students said they were beaten, and several reported that their mobile phones and other electronic gadgets were stolen during the ordeal . The university's Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji, confirmed that more than 60 mobile phones and other devices were confiscated by the attackers .
Two students required hospital treatment after the incident, with one discharged by Tuesday morning, June 30 . The university also received reports alleging that a female student was raped during the incident, though the claim remained unverified because no alleged victim had been identified, Adesoji said .
UNIOSUN Vice-Chancellor, Professor Clement Adebooye, who visited the affected hostels on Tuesday, condemned the incident in the strongest terms, describing it as "gory" and referring to the perpetrators as "animals" who "should not be living among humans" . He disclosed that the university had formally reported the matter to the management of the Army Depot.
"We have reported to the management of the depot. It is sad that the Army Depot, located close to the campus, which we felt would give us security cover, could eventually release men that will subject our students to this kind of harrowing experience," Adebooye was quoted as saying . The university confirmed that three of the alleged perpetrators had been identified and brought to the campus, while management continued discussions with military authorities .
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Zone D Coordinator, Josiah Adeyemo, called on President Bola Tinubu and the Chief of Army Staff to identify those responsible and ensure they are brought to justice to serve as a deterrent to others .
The Osun State chapter of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) also condemned the alleged incident, describing it as a serious case of sexual and gender-based violence. In a statement jointly signed by its Chairperson, Comrade Abisola Ariwodola, and Secretary, Oluwaranti Ojewumi, the association called for the immediate dismissal and prosecution of the recruits allegedly involved. NAWOJ warned that such conduct, if proven, undermines the integrity of the military and erodes public confidence in the country's security architecture, stressing that the Nigerian Army must not shield any of its personnel found culpable.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, the Commandant of the Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, acknowledged the allegations and ordered an immediate investigation. The statement, signed by Major Yahaya Ibrahim, the Army Public Relations Officer, reiterated that the Nigerian Army exists to protect all citizens, especially the youth, and that any conduct falling short of that mandate is unacceptable.
"The Commandant has ordered an investigation to ascertain the facts of the incident and bring perpetrators to justice," the statement read. The Depot further requested that the NANS Southwest Coordinator make available all evidence and witness statements to enable a thorough investigation. "We therefore give our firm assurance that any personnel found guilty will face the full weight of military law," the statement added, noting that the Commandant is ready to meet with NANS leadership to agree on the way forward.
The Army also emphasised that the alleged actions of the personnel do not reflect the training and character development of recruits at the Depot. As of Tuesday night, no official statement had been issued by the Nigerian Army headquarters in Abuja, and investigations are ongoing.
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