Nigerian Navy Lieutenant Commander Accused of Flogging 18 Junior Personnel for Lateness at NNS BEECROFT
In a troubling incident that has raised concerns about discipline and leadership within the Nigerian Navy, Lieutenant Commander Ekah, the Regulating Officer (RO) at the Nigerian Navy Ship BEECROFT (NNS BEECROFT), has been accused of flogging and brutalising 18 junior personnel for arriving late to parade mustering on Saturday, January 18, 2025.
NNS BEECROFT is the operational arm of the Western Naval Command, overseeing Lagos and Ogun areas. The incident occurred during a routine mustering, when 18 naval personnel were reportedly subjected to flogging as punishment for their tardiness. According to a source who shared a video of one of the alleged victims being brutalised, the incident has sparked an outcry from within the naval ranks.
The source, who spoke anonymously to SaharaReporters, condemned the harsh disciplinary action, describing it as excessive and outdated. “While punctuality is a key element of naval discipline, I believe this punitive measure is highly inappropriate. Flogging is a relic of the past and inconsistent with the values of a modern naval force,” the source said. “It not only undermines the dignity of the individuals involved but also risks demoralising both the affected personnel and their peers.”
The source went on to highlight the long-term negative effects such actions can have on morale, teamwork, and trust between leadership and subordinates. “These actions do not foster a healthy environment for growth or development,” the source concluded.
Another source, echoing similar concerns, called for a thorough investigation into the matter, stressing the importance of mitigating circumstances that could have led to the lateness. “Late arrival, while not acceptable, does not justify corporal punishment,” they said. “Alternative corrective measures, such as counselling, warnings, or extra duties, are better suited for maintaining discipline without compromising professionalism.”
The source also urged a review of Lieutenant Commander Ekah’s decision to enforce flogging, emphasizing the need to ensure that discipline is maintained in a manner that upholds the dignity and respect of all personnel. “Discipline is crucial, but it must be fair, respectful, and in line with established naval regulations,” they added.
Efforts to reach Lieutenant Commander Ekah for comment were unsuccessful, as his phone was reportedly switched off at the time of inquiry.
The incident at NNS BEECROFT comes on the heels of another troubling case within the military, which was exposed by SaharaReporters in 2023. That case involved the Nigerian Army Women Corps, where a female soldier was subjected to physical abuse by her senior colleagues. A video of the disturbing scene showed a male soldier striking the female soldier with a large stick, while other soldiers stood by and watched, further highlighting the ongoing concerns about the treatment of personnel in the military.
As of now, calls for justice and a review of the practices that allow such actions to take place continue to grow, with many urging the military leadership to take immediate and appropriate action to address these abuses.
