Army warns against treasonable acts

The Nigerian Army has warned individuals and groups against any act that could lead to the disintegration of the country.
Also, the force said it would deal with any of its officers and men found taking sides in any internal insurrect, while engaged in internal security coordination with the police.
Army spokesman, Colonel Sani Usman, gave the warning yesterday, in Damaturu, Yobe State, while addressing journalists during the visit of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai, to troops in the area. He said any agitation for dismemberment of the country would be viewed by the military as treasonable felony and tackled accordingly.
“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 Rule of Engagement (ROE) to the letter”, he said.
Colonel Usman however, expressed hope that such situation for deployment of military troops would not arise, stressing: “Let nobody make any mistake, within the ambit of the law, we shall apply the ROE to the fullest.”
He stated that the army had also cautioned its officers and men not to take sides in any conflict but rather, 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”, he said.
Usman said the army frowned  at the,”observed shortcomings, especially negligence and outright ignorance displayed by  troops deployed for ‘Operation MESA’ and other Internal Security (IS) operations, adding that, “the ROE set out the circumstances and limitations under which armed force may be applied to achieve military objectives, in furtherance of government policy”.
According to him, once deployed on any internal security assignment, “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.
He said troops were, “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, adding 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.”
The army spokesman was, however, quick to add that such intervention should be based, “strictly on sound judgment and within the ambit of the code of conduct for IS operations, while exhibiting good professional ethics.”