Faruk Yahaya, the Chief of Army Staff, has ordered the immediate release of a detained female soldier, Hannah Sofiat A., who got proposed to by a male corps member at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp in Yikpata, Kwara.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a reliable source at Army Headquarters said Saturday that the COAS instructed the release of the soldier in the spirit of the Christmas celebration.

He said the soldier had been warned, reprimanded, forgiven and freed from detention to join her family and friends to celebrate Christmas.

According to the source, this is inline with the COAS vision to have a professional Nigerian army ready to accomplish assigned missions within a joint environment in defence of the country. 

Ms Sofiat had earlier been detained for violating military rules and regulations by getting involved in a public display of “amorous relationship” with a paramilitary trainee – a corps member.

She was detained after video clips where she was seen accepting a marriage proposal from a male corps member at the NYSC orientation camp in Kwara, went viral on social media.

Several groups and individuals have been urging the Nigerian Army authority to release the soldier.

(NAN)