Nigerian military admonished, charged to be civil
The Nigerian Army 32 Artillery Brigade in Akure has been advised to be civil in his dealings with the civilians in Ondo state.
State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in the state, Mr. Adekola Olawoye, gave the advice on Tuesday in Akure.
Olawoye stated that the state Ministry of Justice would do its best in assisting the army in the discharge of its statutory role in the state.
He spoke during a courtesy call on the Brigade’s Commander of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Brigadier General James Ataguba, at the Owena barracks.
“I am appealing that army should be civil in dealing with civilians whenever they err, considering that they are ‘bloody’,” he said.
Olawoye lauded the brigade’s efforts in providing adequate security in the state mostly its recent effort at combating the dreaded issue of kidnapping.
He explained that his ministry was also willing to collaborate with the soldiers towards checking acts of lawlessness including terrorism, ritual killings, and herdsmen’s attack.
According to him, his ministry has the responsibility to make everyone lives within the provisions of the law.
“Am aware that some of the state laws need review because of the dynamic nature of the society,” he said.
Speaking, General Ataguba said that the soldiers were not stationed in the state to brutalise the populace.
He stressed the need for the people to properly understand and commend the constitutional role the army plays in the society.
“ Sometimes, there are misconception and misunderstanding of Nigerian Army’s vital roles.
“I should say this,that soldiers are not on roads to brutalise but to ensure that safety is guaranteed.
“But by this visit, we are glad that you will understand our operations and our roles.
“However, if you have any complaint over any of our men or on any security threat, you can reach us through our call centre.
“We do have some of our personnel in mufti that check on our personnel on the roads if they have erred because we do not condone any form of indiscipline in the brigade,” he maintained.
According to him, the ministry of justice should ensure that criminals are properly prosecuted so that others will learn their lessons.
“Please, liaise with other security agencies to ensure that there is diligent prosecution so that criminals are not back on the street when they are arrested.
“I crave your indulgence that cases are pushed to a logical conclusion and if there is any gap or review to be done, please do so, so that crime will not be persistent,” he said.
