Nigerian Army Issues Updates On Internal Security Operations

Officers of the Nigerian army have been given a stern warning to go and shoot-at-sight once the order is given in the face of any insurrection.

The Nigerian army warned its officers and men engaged in internal security coordination with the Nigeria Police Force to be alive to their responsibilities of adequate protection of lives and property.

Adding that the operatives must be steadfast and desist from taking sides, warning that officers found taking sides in any internal insurrection or failing to perform their responsibility as expected would face stern consequences.

Army spokesman Col Sani Usman, in a statement reminding the officers of the Nigerian army Rule of Engagement (ROE) for internal security operations (Operation Mesa), said the force frowned against “the observed short comings especially negligence and outright ignorance displayed by troops deployed for Operation MESA and other Internal Security (IS) Operations.”

“For the avoidance of doubt, the ROE and Code of Conduct set out the circumstances and limitations, under which armed force may be applied to achieve military objectives in furtherance of government policy within Operation MESA and other IS Operations.”

“Any officer or soldier found aiding or abetting any act of arson, vandalism or unprofessional conduct, would be severely dealt with according to the extant laws,”Usman stressed.

Once deployed on any internal security (IS) operation “it is the duty of an officer or soldier to ensure the enforcement of law and order in conjunction with other security agencies.”

He reminded troops that it is their duty to intervene in any situation to avoid a breakdown in peace, stability or law and order of any area where they are deployed.

“It is inexcusable for troops to stand aside and watch the security situation deteriorate leading to loss of lives or damage to property without intervening. Such intervention should, however, be based strictly on sound judgement and within the ambit of the code of conduct for IS Operations while exhibiting good professional ethics,” the spokesman said.

He stressed that ” troops have to use necessary force to quell crisis resulting in deaths, injury and damages to properties”, citing section 217 (2) (c) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

Meanwhile, agitators for the secession of Biafra have issued a serious warning by the Nigerian army. The Biafran activists have been admonished to desist from clamouring for the disintegration of the country stating that the long arm of the law will caught up with them if they continue to threaten the peace of the nation.