The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has encouraged troops not to be distracted by International Criminal Court (ICC) reports to investigate war crimes against Nigerian forces in the north eastern part of the country.
The COAS made the call in a statement made public by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Sagir Musa, on Saturday in Abuja telly his men to disregard what he described as “wicked and unnecessary distractions”
He said that the call followed the Friday statement from ICC prosecutor, alleging that there were reasonable basis to believe that “members of the Nigerian Security Forces (NSF)” had committed acts constituting crimes against humanity and war crimes.
According to him, the ICC statement is immediately followed by a release by the local branch of Amnesty International (AI) in Nigeria, demanding full investigation of atrocities by Nigerian forces.
He said it could have negative consequences on troops morale, interest in military service by Nigerians and severe setback to all Nigeria’s internal security operations.
The COAS has asked his men to remain focused in order to fully concentrate on the final defeat of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists groups which is in sight according to him.
He also charged the troops to work hard and be guided by the constitution of Nigeria, the Rules of Engagement, the Code of Conduct and the Standing Operating Procedures for all Nigerian Army Operations.
According to him, 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.
“The Nigerian army wishes to advise local or international organisations not to allow themselves be used to destabilise or destroy the troops’ morale by the sponsors of mischief in Nigeria,” he said.
Army spokesperson, Musa, disclosed that Buratai was currently on self-isolation as part of precaution against the COVID-19 infection.
Musa said that the COAS would soon join the troops in the north eastern part of the country at the end of the mandatory isolation period to continue giving them the desired leadership and support
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