The Nigerian Army has cautioned citizens in Nigeria, be it group, community or individual against any attempt seeking to disintegrate the country from one indivisible entity called Nigeria.
Addressing news men in Yobe State on Thursday November 12, 2015 the acting Director of Army public relations; Colonel Sani Usman in company of the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai had warned Nigerians of the Army Rules of Engagement (ROE) for internal security operations.
Colonel Usman said that: "the Nigerian Army would like to send an unequivocal warning to all and sundry, more specifically to all those threading and agitating for the dismemberment of the country, committing treasonable felony and arson as well as destruction of lives and properties that once deployed we shall apply ROE to the latter".
The ROE according to him sets out the circumstances and limitations under which force may be applied to achieve military objectives in furtherance of government policy and once deployed on any internal security, it is the duty of an officer or soldier to ensure the enforcement of law and order in conjunction with other security agencies for the restoration of peace.
The troops he said, "are directly bound to intervene in any such situation to avoid a breakdown in peace, stability or law and order of an area where they're deployed".
Pointing out that 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.
Colonel Usman said; "such intervention should be strictly based on sound judgement and within the ambit of the code of conduct for internal security operations while exhibiting good professional ethics".
Colonel Usman also mentained that the use of lethal force would only be resorted to if all other means to control the situation had failed, or in case of unexpected attack or suspected Impoverished Explosive Device (IED) attack during which a delay could lead to loss of life or serious injury to personnel among others. He warned the people to comply reiterating that fire would only be opened as a last resort as a measure to avoid Collateral damage.
It could be recalled that severe pro- biafran agitations had been on in the south eastern parts of Nigeria for over a month now, and some of the south south towns in Nigeria. Specifically in cities of Onitsha, Port-harcourt, Asaba, Aba etc.
Pictures of Pro- Biafran protests in Onitsha, Anambra State of Nigeria early this week:
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