The Depot Nigerian Army, Osogbo, has ordered an investigation into allegations that some of its newly recruited personnel invaded student hostels at Osun State University on Monday night, assaulting male students and sexually harassing female occupants.

According to findings, the recruits, said to have recently completed their passing out parade at the Army Depot, had earlier visited entertainment centres around the students' community, where witnesses alleged they harassed young men and demanded money transfers into designated bank accounts.

The situation escalated when the recruits allegedly stormed about 20 student hostels, including Cristalag and Kings and Queens, where they reportedly assaulted occupants. Some female students alleged they were stripped and made to dance unclad, while male students claimed they were beaten and robbed of phones and other valuables. The University Public Relations Officer, Ademola Adesoji, said over 60 gadgets were seized from students and that two students were hospitalised, one of whom was discharged the following morning.

"The soldiers came from Osogbo Army Depot. They assaulted the students. Some female students said they were stripped by the soldiers. They also said they touched them indecently," Adesoji said, adding that an allegation of rape could not be immediately verified as no victim had been identified.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Clement Adebooye visited the affected hostels on Tuesday and described the incident as gory, condemning the perpetrators.

"We have reported to the management of the depot. It is sad that the Army Depot, located close to the campus, which we felt would give us security cover, could eventually release men who will subject our students to this kind of harrowing experience," he said.

The incident triggered a protest by students, accompanied by NANS Zone D Coordinator Josiah Adeyemo, who barricaded Obokun Road carrying placards reading "Students are not safe" and "We demand justice," disrupting vehicular movement before marching toward the Shasha Market area.

Following a complaint by NANS Southwest Zone D, the Nigerian Army Depot announced an investigation in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Public Relations Officer, Major Ibrahim.

"The Nigerian Army exists to protect all citizens, especially the youth, who are the future of the nation. Any conduct that falls short of that mandate is unacceptable," the statement read.

The Army said the commandant had ordered a full investigation and requested that NANS Southwest Coordinator Adeyemo Josiah Kayode provide evidence and witness statements to support the process, while assuring that any personnel found culpable would face military law.

Three of the alleged perpetrators were identified and brought to the campus on Tuesday morning as the Army pledged to meet with NANS leadership to discuss the way forward.