Army bars soldiers from civilian matters

By Philip Nwosu

the Nigerian Army has warned soldiers on internal security operations in Lagos and Ogun states to steer clear of civilian matters.

General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Peter Dauke, who gave the warning when he declared open the 2017, 81 Division officers combat proficiency competition hosted by the 9 Brigade in Ikeja, urged soldiers to respect the rights of citizens of the country.

Dauke said military personnel must respect the rule of law and the fundamental human rights of every Nigerian.

“Whenever you find yourself deployed on internal security operations, you are not to involve yourself in civilian affairs. It is expected that you respect the rule of law and all fundamental human rights of everyone.”

Represented by the Commander 55 Div Signal, Brigadier General Daniel Adeyemi, Dauke urged the officers and soldiers to be disciplined and committed to their jobs.

“You and troops under your command are to discharge your duties professionally,” he said.

He said the combat proficiency test is to ensure Nigerian Army formations acquire the required combat efficiency, adding that officers must ensure they are capable of applying the rudiments of military training to develop their powers of judgment because it is important to know when and how to act during missions.

Dauke said the combat proficiency competition is aimed at promoting esprit-de-corps, inculcating a sense of discipline and the responsibility among officers of the rank of second lieutenant to major.

Earlier, the 9 Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Elias Attu said the competition would improve leadership quality of junior commanders to prepare them for higher responsibilities.

He said the training was in compliance with Army Headquarters forecast of event and the 81 Division training directives for 2017.