By Jibrin Baba Ndace
Abuja
The Nigerian Army has said that contrary to insinuations in some quarters, the judicial process that led to the conviction and acquittal of some soldiers followed international best practices in military law and also conformed to relevant Nigerian laws.
The Director, Army Public Relations (DAPR), Brigadier-General Olajide Laleye, stated this yesterday at press briefing at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.
The director, who explained that the success of the ongoing counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency efforts was hinged on troops’ discipline, professionalism and patriotism.
He noted that decisive steps are needed to ensure that the Army remains a formidable fighting force through time-tested procedures, processes and the enforcement of its regulations and laws in line with the nation’s Constitution.
“Let me state categorically that a General Court Martial has the status of the High Court and is backed by extant laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The General Court Martial is not a final authority. Its processes are not only subject to confirmation by the appropriate superior authority but also subject to appeal.”
Laleye disclosed that there are three ongoing general court martials trying erring officers and soldiers for various offences, adding that it was erroneous and mischievous for some people to create the impression that pronouncements arising from the general court martial are an aberration or do not follow the due process.
According to him, Nigerians will be pleased at the end of such operations that collateral damage is reduced to the barest minimum.
He assured that law-abiding Nigerians in those areas would be rescued from the insurgents, while those towns and villages completely are freed from terrorism and insurgency.
“The Nigeria Army is very careful about collateral damage. To that extent our operations are carefully planned to make sure that collateral damage is reduced to the barest minimum.
“If certain areas have not been recaptured it is because the Nigerian Army is giving such areas very careful plans; the plans are ongoing. At the right time you will see the outcome; we will not tell you, of course, beforehand, of what we intend to do, but you will see the outcome.’’
He said Gombi, Hong, Uba, Makera, Holma and Vimtim, all in Adamawa state, have been recaptured, adding that the current military offensive would be sustained until the enemy is “completely defeated’’.
Laleye said new strategies have been introduced in the ongoing war after formations and units involved were evaluated, adding that this has impacted positively on the counter-insurgency operations in the North-east.
He said that all officers and men involved in operations in the region undergo counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency training before being deployed in theatre of operation.
The army spokesman explained that this followed the directive of the Chief of Army Staff that all Divisional Headquarters should set up schools to step up counter-terrorism, counter-insurgency and Special Operations training.
Laleye said: “The Nigerian Army wishes to restate its determination to bring these counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations to a speedy and decisive end.
“Equally, the Nigerian Army seizes this opportunity to reassure Nigerians of its preparedness to support relevant agencies in the successful conduct of the 2015 general elections.’’
