Nigerian Army Has Suffered Huge Losses to Boko Haram – Buratai

SHARES

BY Unknown Monday, December 11, 2017 0

Nigerian Army Has Suffered Huge Losses to Boko Haram – Buratai

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, has lamented the huge socio-economic cost of Boko Haram terrorism on Nigeria, saying the army has also suffered “tragic human loss.”

Buratai said this on Sunday in his remarks to mark the International Human Rights Day, noting that the insurgency jeopardised the peace and security of a number of states, the rights to life and the liberty of the people.

The army chief stated that the military believed that human rights were essential components of the combat operations, adding that the army affirmed its commitment to the “protection and advancement of human rights and fundamental freedom.”

Buratai said, “Terrorism has a very real and direct impact on human rights with devastating consequences on the enjoyment of the right to life, liberty and physical integrity of victims.

“These acts of terrorism jeopardised peace and security in a number of states. It also threatened social and economic development. All of these also have a real impact on the enjoyment of human rights.

“The human and economic costs of the acts of terrorism and insurgency have been felt in virtually every nook and cranny of Nigeria. The army has itself suffered tragic human loss as a result of violent terrorists’ acts.”

The army chief added, “Our rules of engagement and code of conduct affirm human rights as core values. We are committed to adopting measures that ensure respect for human rights as the basis of our civil-military relationship.

“We have developed strong partnerships with the office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the International Committee of the Red Cross as well as the Nigerian Bar Association.

“The need for the establishment of a human rights office came with the increasing interest of human rights organisations in the army’s ongoing military operations. The army embraces the idea and we will continue to do our part to spread awareness and support for human rights.”

The United Nations commemorates the Human Rights Day on December 10 since 1948, when the UN General Assembly adopted the universal declaration of human rights.

‘Frustrated’ soldier guns self down in Yobe

SHARES

BY Unknown Saturday, December 09, 2017 0

‘Frustrated’ soldier guns self down in Yobe

In what came as a surprise, a soldier identified as Samaila Gabriel, recently shot himself dead in Yobe state.

The deceased with service number 09NA/63/2867 was said to have taken his life out of frustration.

One of Gabriel’s  colleagues told TheCable that he got frustrated as a result of the refusal of the authorities to transfer him out of the north-east since he was posted there three years ago.

Some of the soldiers on the battlefront have not been allowed to visit their loved ones in years, while many have been killed by insurgents.

Gabriel’s corpse has reportedly been deposited at the Sani Abacha hospital in Damaturu, the state capital.

The army is yet to make a statement on the issue but TheCable understands that investigation is ongoing.

Sani Usman, spokesman of the army, did not respond to a text message which TheCable sent to his telephone line on Saturday evening.

The tragic incident comes less than a month after a staff sergeant identified as Silas Ninyo killed one K. Mani, his superior, and injured four people in the Chibok local government area of Borno state.

Ninyo took his own life after wreaking the havoc.

Mani was reportedly killed in the process of disarming the sergeant who was said to be drunk.

A source had told TheCable that a team of soldiers led by Mani, who was providing security for worshippers during Sunday service, received a distress call that Ninyo was beating civilians for unknown reasons.

Mani had led his men to the scene but lost his life.

“Captain Mani, accompanied by soldiers, moved to the scene to free the civilian but while trying to disarm the errant soldier, Captain Mani was shot dead by Staff Sergeant Ninyo, who later killed himself,” the source had said.