The Detention of Seaman Abbas Haruna: What Actually Transpired?

The video that has recently emerged of the attempted disarming of a Nigerian Navy personnel, Seaman Abbas Haruna is shedding more light into the controversial saga that made its way into public consciousness last week, when Haruna’s wife went on a popular public complaints programme to allege that her husband had endured six years of illegal detention in the hands of the military.

In the video, the Seaman –who was serving in the anti-banditry Operation Whirlstroke in Taraba State at the time– can be seen actively resisting being disarmed by other personnel, and then several shots can be heard fired.

It is unclear from the video who fired the shots. However, the text of the proceedings of disciplinary action that Seaman Haruna underwent state clearly that he fired sixteen documented rounds of ammunition in a bid to resist arrest, endangering the lives of his fellow military personnel in the process.

Investigations have shown that, following the incident in the video, which took place in November 2019, the Seaman was eventually disarmed and arrested, and a military disciplinary process was activated.

A court martial by the Defence Headquarters took place between late 2022 and early 2023, during which the Seaman pleaded guilty to the various charges leveled against him, and he has since been recommended for dismissal from the military.

Senior military sources say that all of these details will be revealed and affirmed in the course of the various investigations that have been kickstarted since Seaman Haruna’s wife made her allegations public.

They insist that everything that has followed the incident in the viral video has been in line with military due process, and that there is documented evidence of the proceedings of the court martial that found the Seaman guilty and has recommended him for dismissal.

In addition, his detention by the Defence Headquarters has also been carried out in line with military norms, and in a humane manner, contrary to the narratives circulating claiming maltreatment.

An unconfirmed report says that he has in fact had access to his wife, resulting in at least one pregnancy in the period during which he has been undergoing disciplinary action.

“The truth will emerge very soon, it is a good thing that the National Assembly and others are now on the matter,” a Defence Headquarters source said.

“Everything is duly documented, including a transcript of his trial, where he pleaded guilty to all the charges leveled against him. The Nigerian Armed Forces will continue to ensure that there is no room for indiscipline within its ranks, while also ensuring that due process is followed at all times.”