The Nigerian Army, NA, has vowed to investigate, apprehend and
sanction its personnel who are involved in professional misconduct
such as extra judicial killings and torture of suspects.
This was disclosed by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Col.
Sagir Musa, in a statement on Monday in Abuja.
According to him, the decision followed a video reportedly showing
some army personnel engaged in torture and extra judicial killing of a
suspected Boko Haram terrorist likely in the North East.
He said the army condemned the action of those involved in the misconduct.
Musa said: “NA training, Rules of Engagement and Standing Operating
Procedures guiding the conduct of all her operations are unambiguous
about human rights abuses and extra judicial actions including the
rights of the arrested/captured terrorists/combatants.
READ ALSO: Army Adopts Spiritual Warfare To Counter Insurgents’ Propaganda – Buratai
“Troops in the various theaters of operations in Nigeria have been
consistently warned to desist from rights infractions of any form no
matter the amount of desperation, anger or provocation.
“NA does not license, encourage or condone indiscipline,
unprofessional conduct especially extra judicial execution of suspects
or combatants.
“Where ever, such is noticed or reported, once it is confirmed,
appropriate decisive sanction or punishment is usually immediately
meted out to the perpetrators and this case would never be an
exception.
“The army as a responsible and law abiding organisation will remain
professional in the discharge of its constitutional roles.
“It will continue to operate within the ambit of the law in line with
the local and international best practices.”
The army spokesman assured that the authority had commenced thorough
investigation to apprehend the culprits and that they would be dealt
with in accordance with the extant military justice system.
He also assured that the public would be duly informed of the results
of the actions taken so far.
