The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has reiterated that the Nigerian Armed Forces remain fully committed to upholding the rule of law and respecting the rights of citizens, following criticism over recent attacks on electricity distribution company (DisCo) offices by military personnel.
In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, the military refuted claims in an editorial suggesting that security forces were operating with impunity.
The editorial argued that Nigeria’s democratic stability depends on the adherence of all institutions, including the military, to the rule of law. However, the DHQ rejected what it described as an attempt to “vilify” the military leadership, emphasising that the Armed Forces do not condone misconduct within their ranks.
The Defence Headquarters acknowledged the “unfortunate incidents” involving military personnel at the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) office on 7 March and the subsequent attack on an Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) office in Badagry.
However, it characterised these cases as isolated incidents, not indicative of a widespread culture of impunity.
“With 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, it is misleading to present these incidents as a nationwide pattern of military misconduct,” the statement read. “The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) remain a disciplined institution and do not ride roughshod over civilians or private enterprises.”
Dismissing claims that past misconduct by military personnel had been ignored, the DHQ outlined its internal mechanisms for enforcing discipline.
The military highlighted the presence of dedicated military police units, intelligence corps, and standing court-martial systems within all its service branches to investigate and penalise erring officers.
“These structures ensure that personnel who violate the law are held accountable,” the statement emphasised.
“The AFN remains committed to a zero-tolerance policy on indiscipline, with the fundamental human rights of all citizens as our guiding principle.”
The editorial had suggested the need for independent oversight to enhance military accountability. However, the DHQ countered that such recommendations were unnecessary, given the existing disciplinary frameworks within the armed forces.
“It is not the responsibility of a newspaper to determine oversight mechanisms for the military,” the statement said.
“The AFN has robust internal disciplinary systems that have been consistently implemented.”
Despite the controversy, the military leadership reaffirmed its loyalty to Nigeria’s democratic principles under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa.
“The AFN remains focused, committed, and fully submissive to the tenets of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the statement concluded.
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