13 Brigade Nigerian Army Dismisses Allegations Of Forced Labour and Human Rights Abuse At Eburutu Barracks
The Headquarters 13 Brigade, Nigerian Army, has noted a publication circulating online alleging forced labour, unlawful detention, intimidation, and illegal levies against civilians residing within the Mammy Market area of Eburutu Barracks, Calabar.
The Brigade categorically denies the allegations, describing them as false, misleading, and unsubstantiated. There is no policy or practice under 13 Brigade or 146 Battalion that authorises forced labour, midnight raids, unlawful detention, or the maltreatment of civilians.
Routine environmental sanitation activities within the barracks, including the Mammy Market, are communal, non-coercive measures aimed solely at maintaining hygiene and safety, and are undertaken by both military personnel and civilians. These activities do not constitute forced labour and are not enforced through intimidation or punishment.
The Brigade also disassociates itself from any alleged collection of a ₦1,000 “pass” levy, stating that no such levy is authorised. Any unauthorised activity carried out in the name of the Nigerian Army would be investigated and appropriately sanctioned if reported.
13 Brigade operates under strict command oversight and Nigerian Army human rights policies, with functional complaint and redress mechanisms in place. No formal complaint or credible evidence has been received by the Brigade or higher headquarters to substantiate the claims contained in the publication.
Members of the public are urged to disregard the report and rely on verified information from official Nigerian Army channels. Media organisations are encouraged to uphold responsible journalism by verifying allegations with relevant authorities prior to publication.
13 Brigade Nigerian Army remains professional, disciplined, and committed to the protection of lives and property and the maintenance of cordial civil-military relations across its Area of Responsibility.
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