Army warns killers in Adamawa, Benue, Taraba

Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Burutai

The Nigerian Army has warned all persons perpetrating various crimes against humanity in Adamawa, Benue and Taraba states to desist forthwith or be ready to face the full force of the military.

The Army’s stance signed by its Director, Public Relations, Brigadier General Texas Chukwu was displayed on its Twitter handle, @HQNigerianArmy.

Expressing worry at the wanton arson and killings in the country, especially in the three Northern states, the Army avowed that it had directed its men to activate its rules on engagement in dealing with the crimes which they said were tantamount to arson and murder.

Describing the continued arson and killings in the three states as disturbing and senseless, the military spokesperson said it had mandated its commanders in the concerned areas to implement decisive actions to arrest the menace or face court-martial.

While noting that it was working with other security agencies to stem the tide, the Army avowed that it had resolved to arrest all perpetrators as well as their backers, no matter how highly placed they were.

The Army’s stance read, “The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to the continued disturbing, senseless killings and wanton destruction of properties in Adamawa, Benue and Taraba States.

“Our Rules of Engagement (ROE) is clear on arson & murder, therefore, no such criminal acts would be allowed in any of the aforementioned states.

“We would like to unequivocally reiterate that Army HQs warns the arsonists and the killers to stop or face decisive action by troops.

In view of this, we strongly warn the perpetrators of these crimes to desist forthwith.

“The public are please reminded that when troops are called out for internal security operations, they are not to joke or persuade anyone.

We have warned our commanders on the ground to take decisive actions or face court-martial.

“The Nigerian Army in conjunction with sister services and other security agencies are working assiduously to identify and arrest all those involved regardless of their disposition in the society including government functionaries.”