ABUJA (Sundiata Post) – The Nigerian Army has debunked speculation in some media (not Sundiata Post) especially, to the effect that the counter-terrorism and counter insurgency operations in the North East against Boko Haram terrorists, has been taken over by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) and that soldiers are not happy about it.
The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, in a statement on Sunday, said that the report is false and misleading.
“This is quite unfortunate and figment of imaginations of the respective media which was aimed at distracting the military, create rancour and disaffection among the components fighting Boko Haram terrorists,” he said.
Consequently, he said, 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.
He said: “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.”
The DAPR explained that 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.
According to him, Operation Lafiya Dole is essentially land and air operation.
He noted that he 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, he said, the COAS would continue to exercise by himself or could delegate through his field commanders.
In a related development, Usman said that “the recent unfortunate attacks by Boko Haram terrorists on communities close to Maiduguri, despite our successes calls for concern”.
To this end, he said, the Nigerian Army has already commenced investigation into the attacks.
The Army spokesman vowed that all those found wanting would 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 the this Special Court Martial”, he said.
Usman further urged members of the public to “disregard rumours and speculations on the alleged take over of the command and control of Operation Lafiya Dole and continue to support the fight against terrorism and insurgency”.