The Nigerian Army has confirmed the reopening of a shopping complex, Banex Plaza, located in the Wuse 2 area of Abuja.

The service had shut down the plaza after hoodlums attacked some soldiers following a free-for-all that erupted in the plaza on May 18, 2024.

The soldiers were said to have accompanied a customer who had issues with a phone he purchased from one of the shops to the plaza when they were attacked.

Announcing the reopening of the plaza in a statement on Monday, the Director, Army Public Relations, Maj. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, said the decision was part of the resolution reached at a meeting held in the Office of the National Security Adviser with the leadership of the plaza and other heads of security agencies in the Federal Capital Territory.

The statement read, “The Nigerian Army wishes to provide the latest update on the recent unfortunate event involving an unprovoked attack by unidentified hoodlums on Nigerian Army personnel at Banex Plaza, Wuse, Abuja, which occurred on Saturday, May 18, 2024, leading to the closure of the Plaza on Sunday, May 19, 2024.

“In response to this incident, a high-level meeting was convened in the Office of the National Security Adviser including the Principal Staff General Officer to the NSA, Commissioner of Police FCT, the FCT Director of the Department of State Services, the leadership and management of Banex Plaza, a representative from the Directorate of Abuja Environmental Protection Board, and the National Chairman of the Mobile Phone Traders Association. The primary objective of this meeting was to identify and apprehend the perpetrators and ensure the continued security of the Federal Capital Territory.”

Onyema stated that other resolutions reached at the meeting were the closure of Shop C93 and the arrest of the owners of the shop where the attack occurred among others.

“The following resolutions were agreed upon: a. Immediate reopening of Banex Plaza: Banex Plaza will be reopened immediately to the public. Closure of Shop C93: The leadership of Banex Plaza is instructed to lock up Shop C93 with immediate effect; Arrest of Perpetrators: The owners of the shop who orchestrated the mob attack on the soldiers are to be arrested and handed over to the Nigeria Police.

“Vigilance by market leaders: Market leaders are to remain vigilant and report any remaining perpetrators to the authorities,” the statement added.

Onyema added that two suspects already held in connection with the incident had been handed over to the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police.

He said, “Furthermore, the two individuals already arrested have been handed over to the headquarters of the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police for further action.

“The Nigerian Army will also thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the presence of its personnel at the plaza and the subsequent attack.”

Onyema, however, advised citizens to be cautious when dealing with military personnel and other security operatives, especially when they are in uniform.

He said, “It must be reiterated that acts of violence against military personnel are not only condemnable but also pose a significant threat to national security and public order. We therefore urge members of the public to exercise caution and restraint when interacting with military personnel and other security operatives, especially when they are in uniform.

“There are established channels for reporting grievances or misconduct by personnel to the appropriate authorities. It is imperative that these channels are utilized to maintain order and respect for those who serve and protect our nation.

“The Nigerian Army remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens and will continue to work diligently to prevent such incidents in the future.”

The Army shut down Banex Plaza following attacks on some soldiers last week.

A viral video on X showed a multitude of civilians overpowering some soldiers during a free-for-all fight at Banex.

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