The 13 Brigade of the Nigerian Army has firmly rejected allegations of rape, extortion and other abuses reportedly committed by its personnel during a security operation in the Alesi–Ochon axis of Cross River State.

The allegations surfaced in a viral social media video, in which unnamed individuals claimed that soldiers deployed to the troubled communities had assaulted residents and exploited the crisis for personal gain. The video linked the alleged abuses to internal security operations mounted after renewed clashes between the Alesi and Ochon communities.

In a detailed rebuttal signed by the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations for 13 Brigade, Major Yemi Sokoya, the army described the claims as false, baseless and unsupported by any credible evidence. Sokoya stressed that at no point during the deployment did troops engage in rape, extortion, looting or any form of abuse against civilians.

The brigade said its personnel were deployed strictly in aid of civil authorities to stabilise the area and restore order, operating under a clear command structure and the Nigerian Army’s rules of engagement. It reiterated the army’s stated zero-tolerance policy for human rights violations, insisting that such conduct would attract immediate sanctions if proven.

According to the statement, the command ordered internal investigations as soon as the video began circulating. Military Police and other disciplinary units were tasked to review operational records, duty rosters and oversight reports from the period in question.

The army said the inquiry found no evidence to support the allegations and concluded that the claims appeared to be contrived to undermine peace efforts and damage the image of the military in the conflict zone. It added that no formal complaint, backed by medical documentation, police reports, sworn statements or identifiable witnesses, had been lodged with any competent authority.

The statement also cited independent reporting suggesting that the video may have been orchestrated to discredit the army and erode public confidence in its role in the Alesi–Ochon crisis.

Warning against the circulation of unverified narratives capable of inflaming communal tensions, the brigade urged members of the public to exercise caution and to channel any genuine grievances through recognised legal and institutional frameworks.

The 13 Brigade reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism, accountability and the protection of lives and property within its area of responsibility, pledging to continue supporting civil authorities in efforts to maintain peace in Cross River communities.