Nigerian Army is the best in Africa yet dragged through the mire – Human Rights Group
By Onome Naomi
According to reports confirming the killings of officers of the Nigerian Army during a rescue mission to Okuama community to free a hostage, one Mr. Anthony Aboh, allegedly abducted over the lingering land dispute between Okuama and Okoloba communities, Iche says the Nigerian Army regarded as the very best in Africa is being dragged through the mud and must be redeemed to regain its authority.
Comrade Prince Saviour Iche, a human rights activist, the convener of AMPEF ” Voice Of The Voiceless” commiserates with the Nigerian Army for the loss of some gallant officers: A Lieutenant Colonel, two Majors, one Captain, 12 other soldiers who were ambushed and killed while on a peacekeeping mission to two warring communities in Delta State. Recounting the incidences from the Buhari regime to the present administration, Iche expressed displeasure at the compromise exercised by the highest of authorities in the state as soldiers are being killed with little or no retribution on the perpetrators.
Iche further said:
“The Nigerian military have the capacity and training to take on bandits in the country but the problem is; that politicians have made the military compromise on its mode of operation.”
“There are situations where a lieutenant colonel and captain was killed yet no counter attack on the doers. Instead, new recruits will be enlisted and led to the war front to risk their lives.”
“Now the military no longer instill orderliness, they are everywhere around the country solving minor issues such as tenant and landlord situations. Anonymous source also confirmed that “yahoo boys” sometimes employs their services to recover their monies from debtors aka “reapers”by way of force or by means of punishment and coercion.”
“In the last election, the military was used for snatching of ballot boxes, a very shameful act. Military personnels are also used as bodyguards to protect politicians as well as the wealthy thereby bridging the real purpose of servitude to the nation.”
“This kind of reputation is bad for the military, the hierarchy of the military heads needs to stand their ground concerning the essence of wearing that uniform. There is need to restore their lost glory as the pride of Africa.”
Iche stated that he pities the wives and children of slain military men, says some of the widows will be evicted from the barracks while some will not be paid gratuity as seen in times past. He also mentioned that some youths interested in joining the military declines for fear of being killed with no compensate for their hard word because the military has been compromised. Sometimes, officers who goes on national assignment has the probability of movements being leaked by an informant from within the military, leading to a failed mission.
Voice of the voiceless in its press statement pleads with politicians to sort other security operatives and leave Nigerian military alone to focus on their essence. Advocates for sophisticated equipments to carry out core assignments designated as soldiers of the nation. Mentions that military hierarchy used by politicians should no longer be entertained by the Chief of Defence Staff and the Federal Govt of Nigeria.
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The Nigerian military has won a lot of local and international awards, their pride must be redeemed, shun politicians, avoid compromises and redeem your image before it is completely thrown into the mud, Iche (Voice of the voiceless) added.
