Army to personnel: Stop bullying civilians

The Nigeria Army said on Thursday it had warned its personnel against bullying and intimidating civilians, and advised victims of such ill-treatments to report to the nearest military formation.
Capt. Kabir Umar, Human Rights Desk Officer at the Nigeria Army Headquarters, Abuja in a speech at a human rights workshop held in Jos, said that defence personnel were being sensitised on the need to respect the civilian populace.
The workshop, organised in conjunction with Operation Safe Heaven which is in charge of security in Plateau State, was targeted at reducing incessant complaints by the public on the conduct of some military men.
Umar, in his paper entitled: “A professionally responsive soldier, worthy Ambassador of the Nigeria Army,” said that the military was working toward changing its public perception.
“We have warned soldiers against intimidating civilians; we have told them that it could lead to an uproar,” Umar said.
He said that military personnel had been reported to be impatient on queues, while some blare their horns while using the roads and intimidate civilians with canes and whips.
“We have told the soldiers that during emergencies or unforeseen circumstances, they should politely ask for permission from civilians already on queues to withdraw money at ATM points, or at fuel refilling stations.
“The aim of this workshop is to sensitise the military on its laws and applications in the discharge of duties.
“Guidelines for civil-military affairs is embedded in laws of armed conflicts, fundamental human rights and justification of the use of force for compliance among others,” he explained.
Umar said that military personnel, as ambassadors of the Defence Headquarters, must be disciplined, have cordial relationship with members of the public and protect civilians.
Earlier in his remarks, Brig. Gen. Benjamin Ahanotu, the Acting General Officer Commander (GOC), 3 Division Headquarters, Jos, had said that the society would accept the military if they assisted in ensuring peace and not harassing people.
The GOC, who was represented by Brig. Gen. Obinna Ajunwa, the Chief of Staff of the Division, said that the military embarked on community projects of constructing bore holes, building schools and providing medical services to boost mutual relationship with the civil populace.
Maj. Gen. Anthony Atolagbe, Commander, Operation Safe Haven, said that global standard practice of human rights must be complied with, by the military.
He, however, cautioned civilians against disrespecting law and order, saying that 80 soldiers were hit and killed by reckless drivers at check points, over the years.
Speaking at the event, Gov. Simon Lalong commended military’s efforts toward building a harmonious relationship with the civil society.
Lalong, who was represented by Mr Hitler Dadi, Commissioner for Special Duties, said that human rights modules should be incorporated in military training, to avoid clashes.