Over the last fortnight, Biafran campaigners have been organising demonstrations up and down the country calling for secession and the revival of their short-lived republic that existed between 1967 and 1970. In several states and cities, they have disrupted commercial activities, blocked roads and generated general insecurity.
So far, the military authorities have ignored the protesters but irked by the constant disruption they are causing, the Nigerian Army has threatened act. Major General Hassan Umaru, the general officer commanding the Third Mechanised Division of the Nigerian Army, based in Jos, the Plateau State capital, said the military must maintain law and order.
Major General Umaru said: “It is the duty of an officer or soldier to ensure the enforcement of law and order in conjunction with other security agencies, troops are duty bound to intervene in any situation to avoid a breakdown in peace and stability of an area where they are deployed. It is inexcusable for troops to stand aside and watch security situation deteriorate and for avoidance of doubt, the rule of engagement for internal security operations include principle of minimum force and proportionality must be applied at all times.”
He warned officers and soldiers not to take the side of rebellion, saying they should adhere to their rules of engagement in the fight against insurgents and rebels. Major General Umaru also warned all Nigerians not to support disintegration of Nigeria as a country or join any rebel group.
“Officers and soldiers have been warned not to take sides in any conflict as anyone found aiding and abetting any act of arson, vandalism or unprofessional conduct would be severely dealt with according to extant laws. 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 property.
“Once deployed, we shall apply the rules of engagement to the letter but it is hoped that such circumstances would not arise. 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 property that once deployed, we shall apply the role of the army to the latter," Major General Umaru added.
He harped on the rule of engagement of internal security operations, including the use of minimum force to stop violence, saying it was the duty of the military to intervene whenever there is breakdown of law and order. In addition, Major General Umaru reassured Nigerians of ending the insurgency in the northeast region this December in accordance with the deadline given by the federal government.
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