Planned ICC probe will affect internal security – Buratai reacts to investigation against Nigerian security forces

Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Tukur Buratai has reacted to the International Criminal Court (ICC) announcement of opening a full investigation into war crimes and crimes against humanity allegedly committed by terrorist group, Boko Haram and Nigerian security forces.

Buratai who spoke from self-isolation he went into following the the death of the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Major General Olubunmi Irefin. Irefin died of complications arising from the COVID-19 virus, said the decision of the ICC would be a setback for internal security operations and with attendant negative consequences on troops trying to contain the Boko Haram insurgency.

He said;

“The Nigerian Army’s attention has been drawn to a press release by the Prosecutor General of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Friday 12 December 2020, alleging that she has found a reasonable basis to believe that ‘members of the Nigerian Security Forces (NSF)’ have committed acts constituting crimes against humanity and war crimes.

“This was immediately followed by a release by the local branch of Amnesty International (AI) in Nigeria ‘demanding full investigation of atrocities by Nigerian forces.

“There is no doubt such statement and instigation can distract the Nigerian Army troops with its demoralising effects. It will have negative consequences on troops morale, interest in military service by Nigerians and be a severe setback to all our internal security operations in the country.

“However, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General TY Buratai, enjoins Nigerian Army troops to ignore the distractions and call on the gallant troops never to be worried or demoralised by these moves.

“He further enjoined troops to ignore the wicked, unnecessary distractions and direct troops to fully concentrate on the final defeat of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists group, which is in sight.”

Buratai also asked troops to adhere to the rules of engagement, code of conduct, and standard operating procedure.

The statement added;

“He also charges the troops to work hard and be guided by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Rules of Engagement, the Code of Conduct and the Standing Operating Procedures for all Nigerian Army Operations.

“The Nigerian Army is not only protecting human rights but also sustaining human rights nationally and globally. Our professional conduct over the years and most recently during the #ENDSARS protest at Lekki Village near Lagos are clear testimonies to the Nigerian Army’s posture on promoting sustainable human rights policy.

“The Nigerian Army wishes to advise local or international organisations not to allow themselves be used to destabilise or destroy the troops’ morale by the sponsors of mischief in Nigeria.”