On Monday, October 26th, 2020, the then Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, addressed the multifarious concerns that arose as a result of the demonstrations. Nigeria is increasingly confronting armed non-state entities that pose a threat to the country's national security. The anniversary of the Declaration of Independence may have been exploited to try to gain public understanding and a stronger collaboration with the military. That fortunate chance was squandered. On December 10th, 2022, the present Army Chief of Staff will have a larger platform to do so, as it is International Human Rights Day.
Nigeria's Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen TY Buratai, has called a meeting of all officers and soldiers. He made it clear that there will be no room for disloyalty in the Nigerian Army. The NA is determined to ensure democratic stability as the only panacea for development and progress. The NA being aware of the devilish plan was careful not to be dragged in and issued the initial warning through a press release on 14 October 2020. Now the detractors alongside their local and international collaborators have mischievously and deliberately misrepresented troops' efforts to ensure compliance with the curfew imposed by legitimate civil authorities.
The Nigerian Army Chief of Staff (COAS) Admarshal Ade Odelusi has said that the NA has continued to exercise restraint applied all the Principles of Internal Security Operations. He added that none of the PSOs, GOCs, Field Commanders and other officers and soldiers of the NA should be afraid of the ICC for carrying out their duties. The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General T.Y. Buratai, held a meeting with the PSOs, GOCs and Field Commanders at the Army Headquarters in Abuja. He warned them to be on alert for any attempt by miscreants to acquire arms and ammunition from security personnel. The aim of the exercises is to restore law and order in the affected regions.
Yahaya also urged troops to ensure the protection of fundamental human rights. It will not augur well for the image of the military if operatives sent out on internal security operations are left to carry out those assignments in such a way that the tenets of the laws are abused. The onus is on the current holder of that high office of Chief of Army Staff.
