Biafra: Army warns agitators

The Nigerian Army, Monday, sent out a strong warning to agitators of the creation of the State of Biafra, saying the army was ready to suppress insurrection, whenever the need arises.

According to the army, the Force is prepared to check the activities of the secessionists because it is its “legally mandated role” when the need arises.

The army stated this in Enugu through the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Enugu, in an address ‘on the activities of pro-Biafran demonstrators across cities in the South-South and South-East geo-political zones’.

According to the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division Enugu, Col. Hamza Gambo, who read a statement on behalf of the General Officer Commanding, Brig. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, during a press conference at the Division’s headquarters in Enugu, the ongoing protests has led to an increased sense of insecurity in the South-East and South-South.

Gambo further said that although the pro-Biafra activists, like other Nigerians, have the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, such rights should not undermine other peoples’ freedom and safety, adding that the army would not shy away from its constitutional mandate to suppress insurrection, and aid civil authority, if called upon to do so as a result of the ongoing pro-Biafra agitation.

“The truism of freedom of expression and peaceful assembly is not contestable particularly as it is guaranteed by sections 39 (1) and 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

“Instructively, this constitutional guarantee does not allow for abuse of other persons’ freedom and safety.

“It is however pertinent to note that same Constitution vide section 217 (2) mandates the Armed Forces of Nigeria to suppress insurrection and act in aid of civil authority to restore order when called upon to do so.”

The army spokesman however allayed fears of possible civilian casualties and other abuses, assuring that the army would act within it rules of engagement, should it be required to check the activities of the pro-Biafra activists.

He said: “To this end, if and when the Nigerian Army is called upon to play its legally mandated role, it shall do so with utmost sense of duty and responsibility to the nation.

“In such instance, the Nigerian Army shall act within its rules of engagement accordingly.

“It is also important to reassure all law abiding citizens that they have nothing to fear”.

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