Stating that the core duty of the military is to defend the unity of the country, the acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Usman, while addressing the press in Damaturu, Yobe state capital, said it is the duty of an officer or soldier to ensure the enforcement of law and order in conjunction with other security agencies for the restoration of peace, Colonel Usman however prayed that such circumstance does not arise.
“It is however, hoped that such circumstances would not arise that we should be deployed on such operations, because let nobody make any mistake, within the ambit of the law, we shall apply the ROE to the fullest,” he said.
Pointing out that it is inexcusable for troops to stand aside and watch the security situation deteriorate leading to loss of lives or damage to property without intervening, the Colonel said the Troops “are duty bound to intervene in any situation to avoid a breakdown in peace, stability or law and order of an area where they are deployed”.
“Such intervention should be strictly based on sound judgement and within the ambit of the code of conduct for Internal Security Operations while exhibiting good professional ethics”. Usman added.
He emphasised that fire would only be opened as a last resort as a measure to avoid collateral damage. This he said is because the use of lethal force would only be resorted to if all other means to control the situation had failed, or in case of unexpected attack or suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attack during which a delay could lead to loss of life or serious injury to personnel among others.
The Colonel listed the application of the Principle of Minimum Force and Proportionality at all times while every reasonable effort would be made to control the situation through measures short of using force, including personal contact and negotiations whenever operational situation permits as the Rule Of Engagement that could be employed by the Army.
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