By Akeem Oyetunji Nigerian Army High Command has expressed concern about the recent sustained attacks in the North East that have claimed hundreds of lives recently, suspecting sabotage.
The Army recalled the successes already recorded by the troops over the Boko Haram insurgents, wondering how the terrorists were able to raid many communities close to Maiduguri, Borno state capital successfully.
Consequently, the Army hierarchy has directed investigation into the attacks with a view to establishing all cases of indiscipline and misconduct.
The Acting Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman said a standing Court Martial has already been established in the North East.
“The recent unfortunate attacks by Boko Haram terrorists on communities close to Maiduguri, despite our successes calls for concern.
“To this end the Nigerian Army has already commenced investigation into the attacks. All those found wanting will be dealt with in accordance with the Armed Forces Act.
“A standing Special Court Martial in the North East has already been established by the Nigerian Army.
“All cases of indiscipline and related acts of misconduct including human rights abuse in the operations will be tried by this Special Court Martial,” Col Usman stated.
Meanwhile, there appears to be intense battle for the control of ‘Operation Lafiya Dole’ by the Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. Gen. Abayomi Olonishakin and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai.
However, the Army authorities tried to dismiss this, saying “it is important to reiterate that since inception of the operation there has always been a hierarchy of command and control as indeed in all military operations.
“The Armed Forces Act (AFA), Cap A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN), 2004 in Section 7, clearly states the appointment of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and his powers. He therefore exercises his powers in accordance with the appropriate statue books. He superintends over all the Services; Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and the Nigeria Air Force.
“Therefore, the operation in the North East is not an exception.
“On the other hand, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) is responsible for all land operations and will continue to exercise that role and as may be directed by the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria through the Honourable Minister of Defence, the CDS or directly to the COAS as the case may be.”
Regarding Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Col Usman said that it is essentially a land operation, insisting that the Army Chief will not abdicate his responsibility but take firm control.
According to him, “Is essentially Land and Air operation. The Nigerian Army has the largest troops deployed and therefore the COAS has the responsibility for the operational, command, control and discipline of the Army.
“This, the COAS will continue to exercise by himself or can delegate through his field commanders.
“The public and indeed Nigerians are hereby requested to disregard rumours and speculations on the alleged takeover of the command and control of Operation LAFIYA DOLE and continue to support the fight against terrorism and insurgency”.
