Election 2019: Army’s compliance with rules of engagement commendable - Human rights group

The Coalition of Civil Society Groups on Human Rights and Conflict Management has commended the Nigerian Army for its preparedness in ensuring a hitch-free exercise in compliance with the rule of law.

The group said the Nigerian troops are adequately prepared to deal with any form of violence that might erupt during and after the elections and will do so within the ambit of the law.

The executive director of the human rights group, Maxwell Gowon, said CCSGHRCM observed the threats of violence in the polity by paid political merchants desperate to turn the tide in favour of their paymasters.

Gowon said the group also observed that there are possibilities of attacks from terrorist organizations especially in the northeast region of Nigeria; the southeast region by adherents of the Indigenous People of Biafra among many others.

He said a review of the military security architecture showed that the Nigerian military has continued to maintain a high standard of compliance with its human rights obligations to the citizenry through the continuous engagement by the Department of Civil-Military Relations.

The group said there were also regular operational meetings by the Chief of Army Staff and Top Commanders of the Nigeria Army on how to curtail attempts by unscrupulous elements to infiltrate the troops.

"There is a functional situation room that is linked to all military operational bases around the country which is highly commendable and indicative of the preparedness of the Nigeria Army towards ensuring the safety of lives and properties before, during and after the elections. This is quite commendable," Gowon said.

He further urged that the Nigeria Army must continue to ensure that it’s troops deployed to provide security cover for the citizens as well as to uphold the highest level of standard.

Gowon said: "The military authorities must put in place measures the would curb overzealousness amongst the troops and in the event of such, appropriate sanctions must be implemented to serve as a deterrent to others."

"The military authorities must ensure that the welfare of the troops is adequately taken care of to minimize any form of enticement in the line of duty, especially those mounting checkpoints in strategic places.

The Chief of Army Staff must continue to ensure strict compliance with rules of engagement by the troops," Gowon added'..