- Lt Gen Tukur Buratai has accused some non-governmental organisations (NGOs), including Amnesty International (AI), of demoralizing the troops fighting the insurgency in the north-east
- Buratai said other sovereign nations would not accept what AI is doing in Nigeria.
- The Army chief further said misinformation is the cause of most of the security problems confronting the country
Some non-governmental organisations (NGOs) including Amnesty International (AI), have been accused by the chief of Army staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai, of demoralizing the troops fighting the insurgency in the north-east through unfounded allegations of human rights abuse.
The Army chief made the allegation at the Command Guest House, Maiduguri, Borno state, during an interactive session with journalists and members of the Guild of Editors (GE), The Guardian reports.
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Legit.ng gathers that Buratai said other sovereign nations would not accept what AI is doing in Nigeria.
He said: “AI has been in Nigeria consistently undermining our reputations and demoralizing our troops through unfounded allegations of human rights abuse.”
Buratai stated that the Army has been doing its best in the discharge of its constitutional duties, respecting the extant rules, including those of engagement.
He said appropriate disciplinary measures had been taken against the erring personnel, whenever there were proven cases of deviation from the rules of engagement.
He further spoke on the roles of the media in the anti-terrorism crusade, saying: “This interactive session was organized to fashion out ways of coming together to fight against the security challenges facing our dear country.
“I emphasize that you play a vital role in the areas of security and national development. While we fight with guns to protect the society, you fight with your pens to do the same. Fighting without one another is like fighting with one hand tied behind your back.
“We commend you for the wonderful role you have been playing in nurturing our nascent democracy. We solicit your support in our efforts to rid our society of daunting security challenges.”
Buratai said misinformation is the cause of most of the security problems confronting the country.
He added: “We, therefore, have a great task of educating and enlightening the public on the true situation. An enlightened society understands its roles and makes contribution towards enhanced national security and development.”
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Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that a senior lawyer, Femi Falana, told the Nigerian Army to stop attacking, harassing and intimidating Amnesty International (AI) and instead focus on addressing the many allegations of serious human rights violations and abuses against its men.
Falana said that the allegations against the Nigerian Army were too serious to downplay.
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Source: Legit.ng
