Biafra: We'll Use Force If Protest Continues - Nigerian Army

The Nigerian Army has cautioned citizens in the country, be it group, community or
individual, against any attempt seeking disintegration from the one indivisible entity
called Nigeria.
Addressing newsmen in Damaturu in company of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant
General Tukur Buratai, the acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani
Usman, reminded Nigerians of Army Rule Of Engagement (ROE) for internal security
operations.

General Buratai was in the Yobe State capital as part of efforts aimed at subduing
the dreaded Boko Haram sect in Nigeria’s north-east region.
Application of ROE
Colonel Usman said, “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.
“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,” Colonel Usman said.
He also informed the public that officers and men of the Nigeria Army had equally
been cautioned not to take sides in any conflict, but should work objectively in the
interest of the country.
“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. 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,” the Army spokesman said.
The ROE, according to him sets out the circumstances and limitations under which
force may be applied to achieve military objectives in furtherance of government
policy and once deployed on any internal security, it is the duty of an officer or
soldier to ensure the enforcement of law and order in conjunction with other security
agencies for the restoration of peace.
The troops, he says “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”,
pointing out that 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.
Colonel Usman also said “Such intervention should be strictly based on sound
judgement and within the ambit of the code of conduct for Internal Security
Operations while exhibiting good professional ethics”.
He listed the Rule Of Engagement to include; the application of the Principle of
Minimum Force and Proportionality at all times, while every reasonable effort would
be made to control the situation through measures short of using force, including
personal contact and negotiations whenever operational situation permits.
Colonel Usman also maintained that the use of lethal force would only be resorted
to if all other means to control the situation had failed, or in case of unexpected
attack or suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack during which a delay
could lead to loss of life or serious injury to personnel among others.
He warned the people to comply, reiterating that fire would only be opened as a
last resort as a measure to avoid collateral damage.