The Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Faruk Yahaya, has ordered immediate release of the romantic female soldier who publicly accepted the proposal of a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Kwara State.
The Director Army Public Relations, Brig-Gen Onyema Nwachukwu, confirmed the release of the embattled soldier.
The COAS, however, maintained that the erring soldier be strongly reprimanded against engaging in any kind of act that contravenes the military code of conduct for its officers and men.
Lt-Gen Yahaya said the female soldier should be released to enjoy Christmas with family and friends.
A video of a male corps member proposing to a female soldier at the Yikpata Orientation Camp of the NYSC in Kwara State recently surfaced online and went viral.
In one of the video clips, some corps members are seen having a discussion at a venue believed to be the parade ground of the orientation camp.
The discussion is still on when the yet-to-be-identified corps member, who is seen holding a ring, goes down on one knee and pops the question to the soldier with the lady accepting the proposal.
The corps member goes on to insert the ring in the finger of the visibly excited soldier amid cheers from others at the scene.
In another clip, the pair are seen sharing lovey-dovey moments. The corps member is seen wearing the lady’s military cap as she stands directly behind him.
They thereafter share a kiss to the delight of other corps members filming the incident.
There were reports after the incident that the soldier was detained by the Army; an action that received wide condemnation on social media.
Military Sources however said the soldier has not served the mandatory three years service as stipulated by the Armed Forces Act before marriage.
The COAS, however, appealed for mercy for the female soldier, which may not be unconnected with the fact that the Christmas season presents an opportunity for persons who erred to be given clemency.
“The COAS, in his wisdom, believes that the young female soldier will retrace her steps and show remorse for engaging in acts that negate military ethical codes by the time she is pardoned and forgiven.
“Hence, he has been appealing for her to be pardoned. This is what he has been doing behind the scene, in the last few days,” said a senior military officer, who didn’t want to be mentioned.
