-by our correspondent.
The Nigerian Army’s attention has been drawn to a Press Release by the Prosecutor General of the International Criminal Court (ICC) alleging that a reasonable basis has been found to believe that “members of the Nigerian Security Forces (NSF)” have committed acts constituting crimes against humanity and war crimes.
In a statement the Nigerian Army said the local branch of Amnesty International (AI) in Nigeria also issued a release demanding full investigation of alleged atrocities by Nigerian forces. “There is no doubt such statement and instigation can distract the Nigerian Army troops with its demoralising effects and negative consequences on troops’ morale, and severe setback to all our internal security operations in the country.” The statement read.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General. Tukur Buratai, has however, enjoin Nigerian troops to ignore the distractions and not to be worried or demoralized by these developments. According to the statement, the COAS who is currently in self-isolation as part of precaution against the COVID-19, would soon be joining the gallant troops in the North East at the end of the mandatory isolation period, to continue giving the desired leadership and support to the patriotic troops of the Nigerian Army.
Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General.Tukur Buratai
He further charged the troops to ignore to fully concentrate on the battle front for the total defeat of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists groups which is in sight. He also urged the troops to work hard and be guided by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Rules of Engagement, the Code of Conduct and the Standing Operating Procedures for all Nigerian Army Operations.
“I wishe to reiterate that the Nigerian Army is not only protecting human rights but also sustaining human rights nationally and globally, our professional conduct over the years and most recently during the #ENDSARS protest at Lekki Village near Lagos are clear testimonies to the Nigerian Army’s posture on promoting sustainable human rights policy.” Buratai noted.
The statement advised local and international organisations not to allow themselves be used to destabilize the troops’ morale by the sponsorship of mischief in Nigeria.
Comment here