The Nigerian Military on Monday disclosed that they were monitoring operations in the three North-eastern states that are currently under emergency rule. It said such monitoring was necessary against human rights violation.
This was made known at a Joint Security Committee briefing in Abuja, which had the spokespersons for the Navy, Air Force, State Security Service, Nigeria Police and a representative of the Nigerian Army spokesperson in attendance.
Speaking, the Director of Defence Information, Defence Headquarters, Brigadier General Chris Olukolade, assured that any uncovered violation of rights, as well as breach of rules of engagement would instantly be investigated.
“The forces in this operation are quite conversant with the rules of engagement, he said.
“Constant monitoring is ongoing to ensure there is no violation and where there is, to instantly investigate and punish the perpetrators.
He added that “Nigerians and our friends abroad must realise that the security operations were necessitated by the need to secure and restore the rights of Nigerian citizens who were being abused by the activities of terrorists.
“The terrorists have not only violated Nigeria’s sovereignty, they have committed mindless atrocities against citizens and there is no way such abuse, lawlessness and hate ideology could be encouraged or allowed to continue.”
While promising that the military will continue to monitor activities of its operatives, he appealed to activists and human rights bodies to always condemn the unending atrocities of terrorists.
Continuing, “The misinformation in terms of reporting human rights issues has been enormous and more mischievous than real.
“There is more attempt to screen terrorists from justice by indicting the process of apprehending and presenting them for justice.
“The attempt to set subjective standards in rating compliance with human rights here is unfair and should be condemned. “Our citizens should beware of running errands for those whose motives on our nation’s integrity and security remain suspect.”
According to him, the forces are not on any revenge mission but purely on a mission to restore law and order. The Defence spokesman explained that “notwithstanding the sporadic asymmetric attacks on certain soft targets, there was a drastic reduction in bombings and attacks on places outside the North East epicentre of the terrorists.”
Olukolade maintained that the improved security situation as indicated in the general assessment had resulted to the ongoing phased restoration of hitherto blocked telecommunication services in the states.
He confirmed that “Adamawa State now has telecommunication services fully restored.
“Apart from the ongoing operations in the North East, there are other joint operations by the security agencies in other parts of the country, including the efforts to check the activities of oil theft and illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta.
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