Chief of Nigerian Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai has threatened to henceforth hold commanders responsible for lapses that have become very noticeable in recent times during the operations of troops in war against insurgents and other criminals in the country.
The army chief, who spoke at the First Quarter Conference in Abuja, stressed that the need to review the conduct of Nigerian Army operations across the country “in view of lapses recently observed among commanders.
“Some of the lapses observed can be partly attributed to indecisiveness when faced with obvious challenges. Hence, the attitude of commanders in the field must change, especially towards decision making and taking appropriate action in line with the Rules of Engagements.
“In this regard, issues of murder, arson and other serious crimes perpetrated by ethnic and local militias, criminals and miscreants must be dealt with decisively. Commanders would be held responsible for any lapses arising from their actions or inaction.
“I have directed the CTOP (A) to set up a high powered team to review all our operations especially where lapses have been observed in order to bring to book all those involved in such cases.”
He recalled that very recently, concerns have been raised by individuals and groups alike about the actions carried out by some units and formations in the course of operations which he said led to very strong comments and criticisms against the Nigerian Army.
“Some of the strongest comments have come from key citizens in Taraba State. In this regard, I have set up a panel to investigate some of the allegations that have been made, particularly with regards to operations in Taraba State. The panel was tasked to ascertain the veracity of the statements made and the true situation of things in the State. Nonetheless, we must put in more effort to improve our relations with civilians and the citizenry at large through better narratives and media operations.
General Buratai insisted that army would continue to chart progressive paths towards tackling the security challenges confronting the nation, adding that he had already instructed that attention must be given to ongoing operations in various parts of the country to ensure that security threats are dealt with decisively.
According to him, in this era of political and social transformation, the army would remain steadfast in carrying out its constitutional roles as well as providing aid to civil authority, saying that his vision for the Nigerian Army, which is “To Have a Professionally Responsive Nigerian Army in the Discharge of its Constitutional Roles” is geared towards ensuring a safer environment for development and socio-economic activities to thrive in the country.
“We must ensure that we conduct ourselves professionally and respond adequately to threats against our nation in accordance with our constitutional roles.
He recalled the successes achieved by troops in the ongoing operations, particularly Op LAFIYA DOLE, even as he urged the troops to replicate the same by working with other services and security agencies to deal decisively with other security challenges such as farmers-herdsmen clashes, armed banditry, cattle rustling, kidnapping, pipeline vandalism, militant activities among other violent crimes.
He reminded them that the unity and integrity of Nigeria lies on the military and the Nigerian Army in particular, saying that any act inimical to the unity and integrity of this country by personnel of the army will be decisively dealt with.
“The NA must remain apolitical and professionally responsive in the discharge of its constitutional roles. GOCs and Field Commanders at all levels are, therefore, warned that anyone that runs foul of his professional ethics will be appropriately dealt with. You are all enjoined to continue to remind officers and soldiers under command to remain non-partisan and be guided by the stipulated code of conduct and rules of engagement in the discharge of their duties particularly in the coming 2019 General Elections. Furthermore, NA personnel in any capacity who receives any form of inducement from politicians, public or private entities, knowingly or unknowingly will be severely punished. Both the giver and taker of such inducement will be investigated and appropriately sanctioned.
“I have directed for a Special Standing Court Martial to be set up in preparation for the coming 2019 elections. I must warn that any NA personnel found hobnobbing with politicians or being partisan will be investigated and sent to the Special Standing Court Martial. I must state clearly that any officer or soldier who wishes to be sympathetic to a political, religious or ethnic group should voluntarily retire from the NA. Furthermore, all are reminded on the ban on any form of worship outside the barracks except those permitted for wedding and other social functions. Therefore, officers and soldiers must restrain themselves from any act of political, religious or ethnic patronisation as these would attract severe consequences. The fate of the 38 officers who were retired is still fresh in our memories.
“I am quite aware of the logistics constraints affecting the sustainability of our operations across the country particularly Op LAFIYA DOLE. I want to assure you that a robust and comprehensive procurement plan is in place in the Year 2018 Budget. However, the effective implementation of the procurement plan is subject to budget releases. I, therefore, want to emphasize that personal clothing, protective gears, additional equipment/platforms, accommodation, welfare and other logistics provisions would be my top priority in the procurement plan this year.
“In line with the Federal Government’s drive to boost local content and patronage, the NA is collaborating with indigenous companies in the local production of vehicles, weapon and equipment spares as well as combat materiel. The companies include Innoson Vehicle Motors, Proforce Nigeria Limited and Nigerian Machine Tools amongst others. This is aimed at boosting local production and enhancing our growing military industrial complex.”
