Army threatens to deal with pro-Biafra agitators

The Nigerian army has threatened to bring down the full weight of the law against groups or individuals threatening the unity of the country.

Addressing journalists in Damaturu, capital of Yobe state on Thursday, Sani Usman, spokesman of the army, laid emphasis on the rules of engagement (ROE).

According to him, the ROE sets out the circumstances and limitations under which force may be applied to achieve military objectives in line with government policy.

Biafra groups have staged series of protest in the eastern part of the country in recent times.

“The Nigerian army would like to send an unequivocal warning to all and sundry, more specifically to all those threatening and agitating for the dismemberment of the country, committing treasonable felony and arson, as well as wanton destruction of lives and properties that once deployed, we shall apply the ROE to the letter,” he said.

“It is however, hoped that such circumstances would not arise that we should be deployed on such operations, because let nobody make any mistake, within the ambit of the law, we shall apply the ROE to the fullest.”

Usman had earlier cautioned soldiers on the need to maintain professionalism, threatening that any officer found on the wrong side of the law will regret doing so.

“The public is hereby informed that officers and soldiers have been warned not to take sides in any conflict and if found wanting would face the consequences of their actions,” he said in a statement.

“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.

“Troops are duty bound to intervene in any situation to avoid a breakdown in peace, stability or law and order of an area where they are deployed. Such intervention should be strictly based on sound judgment and within the ambit of the code of conduct for internal security operations while exhibiting good professional ethics.

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.