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Invasion of communities by soldiers on revenge missions must stop – HURIWA

Published

1 year ago

April 22, 2023

FOR the Umpteenth time, the prominent Civil Rights Advocacy Group:- HUMAN RIGHTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (HURIWA), has expressed disappointment that the hierarchy of the Nigeria Army is tolerating and incubating spontaneous invasion and burning down of communities in Southern Nigeria any time rogue killers kill any operative of the Army.

HURIWA also stated that it is regrettable that even after it directly protested this unprofessional and unorthodox revenge methodology by the Army to the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya during a courtesy visit, operatives of the Army have escalated these unconstitutional and barbaric reprisals especially in Southern Nigeria to the exclusion of Northern Nigeria.

HURIWA stated that it is time too that the National Assembly clearly set out a legislation directly criminalizing this criminal reprisals by soldiers and stipulate punishments for offenders who should be prosecuted in the regular courts for this crime against humanity because as it is, Army’s hierarchy does not view this barbaric misconduct as a big issue even when this kind of primitive methodology of reprisals is not known to exists in any civilised democracy globally just as even the extent rules of engagement criminalizes this practice. HURIWA promised to draft and present a bill on military reprisals to criminalise this barbaric action of the Army, as soon as the next session of the National Assembly comes on board in June 2023.

Besides, HURIWA wonders why the Army is not known to have carried out any revenge missions to Muslim dominated Communities in the North even when senior officers such as Captains, Majors and Lieutenants have at one time or the other been killed by terrorists in places such as Zamfara and Katsina. So why does the Army carry out this illegality only against Southern Nigeria?

Specifically, HURIWA recalled that deadly fear had engulfed the Rundele community, in Emohua Local Council of Rivers State, following invasion by soldiers over alleged killing of their colleague and missing guns.

It was gathered that the soldiers allegedly burnt down some houses in the community, while residents fled to take refuge in neighbouring communities. Sources said the trouble started over the weekend at an illegal artisanal refinery site between Rumuekpe and Ndele communities.

According to the source,some soldiers, who allegedly came with motorcycles and vans to the site, started harassing the youth and collecting money from them as their share of the business.

“Those who refused to comply had their products impounded an ! loaded into the vehicle they came with,” the source added.

HURIWA cited media report as stating that confirming the develop-ment, a group, Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria). through its community-based “One Million Youth Volunteers Network of Human Rights Defenders and Promoters in Niger Delta”, said trouble started when one of the artisanal refiners, who is also a member of Onelga Security, Peace Advisory Committee (OSPAC), in the area, was ordered by the soldiers, to load the confiscated illegally-re-fined petroleum products into their waiting vehicle but said he was tired of doing it alone and can’t continue.

HURIWA recalled that part of the Army’s rules of engagement stated as follows: “Any officer or soldier found aiding or abetting any act of arson, vandalism or unprofessional conduct, would be severely dealt with according to the extant laws,” it said, adding that when deployed on any IS operation, “it is the duty of an officer or soldier to ensure the enforcement of law and order in conjunction with other security agencies.”

The army, according to HURIWA had publicly reminded troops that they 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.

Besides the rules of engagement states 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. Such intervention should, however, be based strictly on sound judgement and within the ambit of the code of conduct for IS Operations while exhibiting good professional ethics”, it added.

Citing Sect 217 (2) (c) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which provides that Nigeria’s armed forces shall suppress insurrection and act in aid of civil authority to restore order when called upon to do so by the President, Commander-in-Chief reinforced by Sect (8) (1) and (3) of the Armed Forces Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, (LFN) 2004, it stressed that this presupposes that troops have to use necessary force to quell crisis resulting in deaths, injury and damages to properties.

Other highlights of the ROE include:

•    The principle of minimum force and proportionality must be applied at all times; whenever operational situation permits, every reasonable effort shall be made to control the situation through measures short of using force, including personal contact and negotiations; the use of lethal force shall only be resorted to if all other means to control the situation have 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; and  that any force applied must be limited in its intensity and duration; it must also be commensurate with the level of threat posed.



•    Force shall be used only when absolutely necessary to achieve an immediate aim; the decision to open fire shall be made only on orders and under the control of on-scene commander, unless there is insufficient time to obtain such order. Fire can however be opened if the life of a soldier, any law-abiding member of the public and/or property of which it is our duty to protect is in grave danger; fire must be aimed and controlled. Indiscriminate firing is not permitted.



•    Fire may be opened to forcefully stop any vehicle that fails to stop at a checkpoint or road block when ordered to stop for search; automatic fire will only be opened as a last resort; avoid collateral damage; after fire has ceased, render medical assistance and record details of incident both in writing and using audio/visual equipment whether or not casualty has been recorded; and whenever in doubt, seek clarification from higher headquarters.

HURIWA said it is now time to have a clear stated legal sanctions enforceable by the regular courts against military operatives breaching established military rules of engagement given that the Army’s hierarchy is not committed to stamping out the barbaric act of reprisals by soldiers.

Related Topics:CIVIL rights advocacy group Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA)

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U.S. army sets deadline for troop withdrawal from Niger

Published

7 hours ago

May 19, 2024

NewsDirect

The United States has initiated the withdrawal of its military forces from Niger Republic, following directives from the West African nation’s military leadership.

The withdrawal process, slated to be completed by September 15, 2024, marks the end of an era of American military presence in the country.

According to a press release jointly issued by the National Council for the Safeguarding of the Homeland and the US Department of Defense on Sunday, discussions between the two parties, held from May 15 to 19, 2024, in Niamey, Niger, aimed to ensure the orderly and safe withdrawal of US forces from the region.

Led by high-ranking officials such as Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict, Christopher Maier, and the Chief of Staff of the Nigerien Army, Colonel-Major Mamane Kiaou, the discussions emphasised transparency and mutual respect.

The withdrawal encompasses troops stationed at key bases, notably the strategically significant $110 million drone base in Agadez.

“Representatives of the U.S. Department of Defense and the Department of National Defense of the Republic of Niger met from May 15 to 19, 2024, in Niamey, Republic of Niger, as part of a Joint Disengagement Commission, to coordinate the orderly and safe withdrawal of U.S. forces from Niger.

“These discussions between the militaries were conducted in complete transparency and with perfect mutual respect between the two parties.

“The U.S. Department of Defense delegation was led by the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Special Operations and Low-Intensity Conflict, Mr. Christopher Maier; and the Director of Joint Force Development in the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Lieutenant General Dagvin Anderson. The delegation of the Ministry of National Defense of Niger was led by the Chief of Staff of the Army, Colonel-Major Mamane Sani Kiaou,” the statement read in part.

Despite the military disengagement, both nations affirmed their commitment to ongoing diplomatic dialogue and cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including counterterrorism efforts.

“The U.S. Department of Defense and the Ministry of National Defense of Niger have reached a disengagement agreement to effect the withdrawal of U.S. forces, which has already begun. It is therefore agreed that this disengagement will end no later than September 15, 2024.

“Both delegations confirmed the guarantees of protection and security to the American forces during their withdrawal. The delegations also established procedures to facilitate the entry and exit of U.S. personnel, including overflight and landing clearances for military flights.

“The U.S. Department of Defense and the Nigerien Ministry of National Defense recall the joint sacrifices of Nigerien and U.S. forces in the fight against terrorism and commend each other’s efforts to build up the Nigerien Armed Forces. The Parties undertake to continue cooperation in areas of common interest.

“The withdrawal of U.S. forces from Niger does not affect the continuation of U.S.-Niger development relations. The United States and Niger are committed to ongoing diplomatic dialogue to define the future of their bilateral relations,” it added.

The US initially established a military base in Niger to combat armed groups aligned with al-Qaeda and ISIL operating in the Sahel region, which includes Burkina Faso and Mali. The primary airbase in Agadez, located about 920km from the capital Niamey, has been a crucial site for both manned and unmanned surveillance flights and other military operations.

On April 19, 2024, the US announced plans to withdraw its troops from Niger due to the West African nation’s growing alignment with Russia and its distancing from Western powers. Consequently, the US Department of State agreed to pull out approximately 1,000 troops from the country, which has been under military rule since July 2023.

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Reps seek more financial investment for federal teaching hospitals

Published

11 hours ago

May 19, 2024

NewsDirect

The House of Representatives Committee Chairman on Health Institutions, Amos Magaji, has called for a sustained financial investment in the federal teaching hospitals across the country.

He said this will be in line with the Renewed Hope agenda of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration for the betterment of the citizenry.

Magaji disclosed this during an oversight visit of members of his committee to the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Otukpo.

He stressed the need to allocate more funds in health sector, considering the primary responsibility of health institutions in the country.

Magaji appreciated the Chief Medical Director, CMD, and his management staff for showing interest in the growth of the teaching hospital, considering the tremendous achievements recorded within a period of one year.

He assured that he would work with his members to ensure that more funds are made available to develop the needed infrastructure including the medical equipment to meet up with the expectations of the people.

“We are glad to be in Otukpo today to see things for ourselves. We don’t want to depend on second hand information on the true condition of the Federal University Teaching Hospital Otukpo,” he said.

He assured the management of full support of the Federal House of Representatives as appropriate incentives would be given through interface with other critical stakeholders in Abuja.

The committee chairman enjoined the staff, whom he described as foundation staff to work as team despite the working condition, “we have seen how the environment is looking and we will continue to monitor the progress.

“So, as foundation staff, you all have the opportunity to write your name in gold.”

While welcoming the committee, the CMD, Prof Silas Ochejele, appreciated the federal government for the establishment of the teaching hospital in Otukpo which has drastically changed the medical services narratives in the state.

Ochejele thanked the House of Representatives Committee on Health Institutions for the pains to come down to Otukpo and believed that the visit has made them to see things themselves, which would go a long way in repositioning the hospital for the betterment of the people.

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JUST IN: Helicopter carrying Iran’s President crashes

Published

11 hours ago

May 19, 2024

NewsDirect

A helicopter carrying Iranian President, Ebrahim Raisi, has been involved in an incident while he was visiting neighbouring Azerbaijan, Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency reported on X on Sunday according to CNN.

“Some of the president’s companions on this helicopter were able to communicate with Central Headquarters, raising hopes that the incident could have ended without casualties,” it added.

It is unclear what the exact status is of Raisi’s helicopter, CNN reports.

The helicopter was part of a convoy of three helicopters. Two of those helicopters were carrying ministers and officials who arrived at their destination safely, according to Tasnim.

“Seyyed Mohammad-Ali Al-Hashem, Tabriz’s Friday Prayer Imam, and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian were also reportedly on the helicopter with the president,” Tasnim said on X. BREAKING: Helicopter carrying Iran’s President involved in an accident

“Some of the president’s companions on this helicopter were able to communicate with Central Headquarters, raising hopes that the incident could have ended without casualties,” it added.

It is unclear what the exact status is of Raisi’s helicopter, CNN reports.

The helicopter was part of a convoy of three helicopters. Two of those helicopters were carrying ministers and officials who arrived at their destination safely, according to Tasnim.

“Seyyed Mohammad-Ali Al-Hashem, Tabriz’s Friday Prayer Imam, and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian were also reportedly on the helicopter with the president,” Tasnim said on X.