TARABA KILLINGS: Investigations over, Buratai vows to make example of soldiers found guilty

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen. Tukur Buratai, on Tuesday said the Army will deal decisively with soldiers that killed three policemen recently in Ibi, Taraba state.

Buratai also assured that such an occurrence would not happen again as decisive action would be taken against all the actors in the matter.

The COAS, who gave the assurance while declaring open the combined second and third quarter Chief of Army Staff Conference 2019 at the Army Headquarters Command Officers Mess, Asokoro, Abuja, said investigations on the Taraba episode by the DHQ Joint Investigation Panel has been concluded.

Describing the Taraba episode as unfortunate and unhealthy for cooperation and collaboration among security agencies, Buratai charged Army commanders at all levels to “adhere to the rule of engagement at all times and also respect all extant laws and fundamental human rights of citizens as enshrined in the Nigerian constitution .”

Buratai said: “It is imperative that we become more proactive in ensuring the discipline and professionalism of our personnel, in our dealings with other agencies of government and indeed the larger society.

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“We should all note, the Nigerian Army as part of the Armed Forces of Nigeria is mandated to support the civil authority and the Nigerian Police Force in internal security operations.

“However recent occurrences have shown that there is a need for more reorientation on civil-military relations and interface with cooperation at the junior cadre level.

“Unfortunately incidences such as the recent one at Ibi in Taraba state which generated intense media comments are not healthy for smooth cooperation and operations of our security forces. Investigation of the incidence has been concluded and decisive action will be taken to ensure it never happened again.

“Similarly the recent case of rape of a lady by a soldier in 34 Brigade and the shooting of a motorcyclist by another soldier are examples of unwarranted events which we must guide against. Nigerian Army will not condone any form of indiscipline or actions that would tarnish its good image

“I hereby charge commander at all levels to continue to educate personnel on the need to adhere to the rule of engagement at all times and also respect all extant laws and fundamental human rights of citizens as enshrined in the Nigerian constitution.”

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