Army Warns Against Agitation and Threat Over Unity of Nigeria

The Nigerian Army has warned people agitating for and threatening the dismemberment of the nation saying it would apply its rules of engagement (ROE) according to the threats. Maj.-Gen. Isidore Edet, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division of the army, gave the warning while speaking with journalists at the Officers Mess in Lagos. Gen. Isidore said the Nigerian Army would like to send an unequivocal warning to all and sundry and more specifically, to all those threatening and agitating for the dismemberment of the country. He quoted the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) vide Sect 217 (2) (c) which provides that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) shall suppress insurrection and act in aid of civil authority to restore order when called upon to do so by the President and Commander-in-Chief. “This provision is reinforced by Sect (8) (1) and (3) of the Armed Forces Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, (LFN) 2004. He added. The GOC also said that consequent upon the observed shortcomings, especially negligence and outright ignorance displayed by troops deployed for Operation MESA and other Internal Security (IS) Operations. He reminded all about the Nigerian Army’s ROE and Code of Conduct for such operations in aid of civil authority for public knowledge and understanding. The GOC also said that officers and soldiers had been warned not to take sides in any conflict, adding that those found wanting would face the law. While speaking about the Boko Haram insurgency, the GOC assured residents of Lagos State that the army was working round the clock to monitor and protect them. He added that some arrests had been made and could not be disclosed because of security reasons.