Army to improve inter-agency, civil-military relations

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai has charged commanders at all levels to ensure reorientation on civil-military relations and inter-agency cooperation at the junior cadre levels.

He also charged them to continue to educate personnel to adhere to the rules of engagement at all times, respect all extant laws and the fundamental human rights of citizens.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Chief of Army Staff Combined Second and Third Conferences in Abuja, the Army Chief said “it is imperative that we become more proactive in ensuring the discipline and professionalism of our personnel and in our dealings with other agencies of government and indeed the larger society.”

“We should all note that the Nigerian Army, as part of the Armed Forces of Nigeria is mandated to support the civil authorities and the Nigeria Police Force in internal security operations.

“However, recent occurrences have shown that there is need for more reorientation on civil-military relations and inter-Service cooperation at the junior cadre levels.

“Unfortunately, incidents such as the recent one at Ibi in Taraba State which generated intense media comments are not healthy for the smooth cooperation and operation of our security forces… the recent case of the alleged rape of lady by a soldier in 34 AB AOR and the shooting of a motorcyclist by another soldier at Umoukereke Ngwa Community of Abia State are examples of sad and unwarranted events which we must guard against.

“The Nigerian Army will not condone any form of indiscipline or actions that will tarnish its good image.”

He said investigations of the incidents have been concluded and decisive actions would be taken “to ensure it never happens again.”

On the fight against terrorism in the North east, the army chief explained that the concept of “Super Camp” introduced recently, though misunderstood my some people, “entails the concentration of formidable fighting forces in strongholds that have the capability for swift mobility. This requires the forces to be proactive, dogged and capable of taking bold offensives at all times to defeat the adversaries by denying them freedom of action within its Strong Response Areas (SRAs) or Response Areas (RAs) as the case may be.”

“A total of 20 super camps have so far been established in the North East… to support the super camp concept, we have inducted more manpower and equipment into the theatre and have plans to within the remaining days of the Third Quarter 2019 deploy more towards achieving the desired end state,” he said.

On Operation Harbin Kunama III against bandits in the North West, the COAS said despite cases in Sokoto, Katsina, Kebbi and Kaduna states still occurring, the operation had recorded successes in curbing the rampaging activities of bandits and kidnappers in the areas.

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