The Nigerian Army has organized a sensitization workshop on Human Right and Professional conduct for troops of the Northeast Operation Hadin Kai fighting Boko Haram insurgency in the region.
Declaring open the workshop at the Officers Mess, Maimalari, Cantonment , Maiduguri on Thursday, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Waiidi Shaibu Said “first and foremost,I commend you all , our gallant troops for your resilience and dogged determination in conquor the adversary in this complex and challenging battle against terrism”.
Represented by the Chief, Civil Military Affairs, Major Musa Ndagi, the COSS said ” this battle is particularly complex, as it comes with considerate risks of collateral damage, given that the terrorist who no doubt, are legimate target but mingle with other Nigerians who were have taken anoath to protect .” Beyond the risks of colleteral damage, there is the given challenges of identifying friend and for, while our own identify remains know to the adversary”
He said the workshop will cover issues on family living, drugs abuse and psychoactive substances, pilferage, sales of arms and ammunition , International Humanitarian Laws and professional conduct of personnel.
He urged the participants to listen and pay attention to lectures to delivered during the Workshop, as the topics are carefully selected to sharp their conduct of operations.
The COAS said ” in addition, as professional as soldiers, we are duty bound to conduct our operations, in accordance with national laws and international humanitarian principles while adversaries , being Non State Actors are not obligated to do so. Did not allow these rules to bother you all, All this is required of you is to conduct your operations in accordance with the law , as detractors are poised to opposition blame.
” You will recall that despite our adherence to the rule of law in the conduct of our operations, we were at one time , widely accused of Human Right violations in our fight against terrorism in the Northeast “, the COAS stressed.
In his welcome address, the Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC), Brigadier General, Ugochukwu Unachukwu said ” since the establishment of the 7 Division, Nigerian Army, it has been the flagship formation in the campaign against insurgency, troops always interface with civil populace in their operating environment,. Hence, the sensitization workshop becomes expedient”.
“A good understanding and application of human right will sensitize troops on how to relate with the civil population, enhance their professional conduct and also win the gears and minds of the populace”, the Acting GOC said.
The Acting GOC, said ” this workshop further drives the Chief of Army Staff resolve in ensuring troops of Operation Hadin Kai are not left out in ongoing efforts to reposition the Nigerian Army towards greater operatiion efficiency. At this juncture, I wish to respectfully appreciate the Chief of Army Staff for making this event possible.
