BY GABRIEL OKECHUKWU, FRCN PORT HARCOURT
Personnel of 6 Division Nigerian Army have been enjoined to follow rules of engagement and code of conduct in their operations.
Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Major General Cyril Ugbo who gave the advice at Port Harcourt barracks while declaring open sensitization workshop on the Constitutional Responsibilities of the Nigerian Army Soldier, Through Adherence to Humanitarian and Human Right Laws, reminded them that Nigerian Army was a creation of law and engages in activities in accordance with laid down regulations.
Major General Ugbo
“The NA being a creation of the law has a sacred obligation to ensure that its personnel perform their duties professionally within the ambits of relevant national and international laws.”
“Hence, as soldiers, we must ensure that actions which might have negative implications on the lives of citizens and their civil liberties are avoided”.
“It is against this background that the NA is organising this workshop to enable troops perform their duties strictly in compliance with globally acceptable standards being in mind our unique operating environment.”
Major General Ugbo who acknowledged that personnel often engage in joint operations with other security agencies emphasized the need to respect the right of other combatants and persons in conflict areas.
According to him, Nigerian is a signatory to regional and international treaties, which has been dopted and domesticated in Nigeria Constitution, as such, officers are expected to function in that regard.
“The workshop is also one of the many avenues that the COAS has put in place to achieve the attainment of his command philosophy which seeks “To transform the NA into a well-trained, equipped and highly motivated force towards achieving our constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment”
While warning them to avoid actions that would bring disrepute to Nigerian Army, the Army General mentioned human rights to include, right to fair hearing, right to life, right to human dignity, right to personal liberty among others.
Earlier on, the General Officer Commanding, GOC, Six Division Nigerian Army, major General Jamal Abdussalam maintained that 6 DivIsion is committed to regular training of officers within the Division, to make them thoroughbred professionals.
The GOC who was represented by the Chief of Staff, 6 Six Division, Brigadier General Babatunde Omopariola expressed confidence of the gains of the training, giving the experiences of the resource persons.
Major General Abdussalam advised participants to pay attention to the workshop lectures and apply the knowledge appropriately.
Participants were drawn from formations under Six Division Area of Responsibility and Operation Delta Safe.
