Investigation into military misconduct - The Nigerian government Thursday frowned at reports of abuse by the military, especially in the north east geo-political zone, plagued by the Boko Haram violence, directing the Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Oluseyi Petinrin, to investigate all incidents of military misconduct against law-abiding citizens.

In an unusual statement, personally signed by the Minister of Defence, Dr. Bello Haliru Mohammed, and released in Abuja, the government admitted that while the military was “doing a very good job in the protection of lives and property of Nigerian citizens in the various theatres of internal security and peacekeeping operations, a few bad eggs amongst them sometimes over-reacted to situations and created discontent amongst the civilian population, thereby dragging the name of the military to disrepute.”

The government directed Petinrin to quickly investigate the reported incident at Biu, in which a woman was shot during the arrest of some Boko Haram suspects.

Mohammed said the instruction to the Nigerian military involved in internal security operations was that in attempting to “arrest all criminals,” they should “use minimum force only when necessary and to be tactful with the civilian population.”

He said that as part of the new measures to reposition the military and make them more professional, it would be ensured “that only credible persons are recruited into the Armed Forces.” 

However, the minister stated that the Federal Government was committed to maintaining peace and order and would not allow any miscreant to thwart this effort under whatever guise.

“We appeal to all elements that have grudges and complaints against the society or government, especially in the North East Zone of the country, to come out and present their grievances to the Ambassador Galtimari-led Committee, which has been appointed by President Goodluck Jonathan to look into the security situation in the north eastern part of the country, with a view to doing everything possible to restoring normalcy and resolving grievances.

“I therefore implore all law-abiding citizens to cooperate with security agencies to assist and ensure the maintenance of law and order within the entire nation,” Mohammed said.

Pana 12/08/2011