The Nigerian Army has commenced an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse involving a serving officer, Etim Essien, of the Headquarters 3 Division in Jos the capital of Plateau State.
The Army disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Division, Olumide Victor Olukoya, noting that it considered the allegations serious because it reportedly involved a minor and other vulnerable person.
“The Nigerian Army is aware of reports circulating online concerning an allegation of sexual abuse involving a serving officer, Captain Etim Essien, currently serving at Headquarters 3 Division, Jos. The Nigerian Army takes all allegations of sexual abuse, particularly those involving minors and other vulnerable persons, with utmost seriousness. Accordingly, appropriate steps have been initiated to establish the facts and circumstances surrounding the reported incident,” Olukoya said.
He said it would be inappropriate for the Army to make definitive pronouncements on the culpability or otherwise of the officer while the investigation was ongoing.
“As the allegation is currently under process of investigation, it would be inappropriate to make definitive comments on the culpability or otherwise of any individual at this stage. The Nigerian Army remains committed to due process, fairness and the protection of the rights and dignity of all parties involved,” he added.
He also disclosed that relevant civil authorities were investigating the matter and assured that the Army would cooperate fully with them to ensure that the allegation was investigated thoroughly and transparently in accordance with extant laws and regulations.
“The Nigerian Army places a high premium on discipline, professionalism and respect for human dignity. Upon the conclusion of the investigation, any personnel found to have acted contrary to the law or established service regulations will be dealt with appropriately,” he said.
The Army Public Relations officer urged members of the public to refrain from speculation and the circulation of unverified information capable of prejudicing the investigation or compromising the privacy and wellbeing of those involved, particularly any minor.
“Further information will be provided as appropriate, subject to the requirements of the law and the integrity of the investigative process,” he said.
A report by SaharaReporters on September 9, Essien was accused of sexually abusing a 13-year-old girl who was described as deaf and non-speaking. The girl was reportedly living with Essien and his wife, Blessing Essien, who was said to be the minor’s older step-sister.
The report alleged that the girl became pregnant while in the couple’s care and subsequently gave birth. It further alleged that the pregnancy was concealed and that the child delivered by the minor was subsequently being cared for by the minor’s older step-sister.
In a phone conversation recording obtained by the platform, Blessing reportedly acknowledged her involvement in the circumstances surrounding the pregnancy and appealed for the matter to be resolved within the family.
A source familiar with the incident said that Essien had been married to Blessing for several years without having a child, and the 13-year-old girl was brought to live with the couple after Blessing took responsibility for her welfare and education.
The source alleged that the captain’s wife was involved in arranging circumstances that enabled her husband to have sexual relations with the minor in the hope that the girl would become pregnant and provide the couple with a child.
The allegations later came to light, leading to the intervention of government authorities and other institutions.
In a formal letter dated September 8, 2026, and signed by Commissioner the Taraba State Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development, notified the Chief of Army Staff of the allegations involving Captain Essien.
The Ministry further informed the Army that the matter had attracted the intervention of the Ministry itself, the National Human Rights Commission, Taraba State chapter, and other relevant authorities.
It also disclosed that the woman connected to the case had been arrested, arraigned before a Magistrate Court and remanded at the correctional facility in Jalingo while investigations continue.
According to the Ministry, Captain Essien was believed to be attending a course at a Nigerian Army training facility in Jaji, Kaduna State, at the time of the notification.
The development comes against the backdrop of renewed scrutiny of allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse involving Nigerian military personnel.
In March 2026, the Nigerian Army commenced an investigation into an alleged child-abuse incident at the Nigerian Army Training Centre, Kontagora Military Cantonment, Niger State, after a soldier reportedly heard the distress cries of a seven-year-old girl.
In June and July, the Army also ordered an investigation into allegations of assault and sexual misconduct involving personnel attached to its Depot in Osogbo, following claims arising from an incident involving students of Osun State University. The Army constituted a Board of Inquiry and said it was committed to a thorough and impartial investigation.
The military has also faced longstanding allegations of sexual violence and exploitation involving civilians in conflict-affected parts of the country.
Amnesty International has previously documented allegations of rape and sexual exploitation of women and girls by soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force in camps for people displaced by the Boko Haram insurgency in Borno State.
Recently, Amnesty reported allegations of sexual abuse involving detainees, including a teenager, at Giwa Barracks in Maiduguri, although such allegations have been disputed by Nigerian military authorities.
