A Nigerian Army official, Brigadier General Aminu Illiyasu, says the Nigerian Army has constitutional authority to intervene in civil matters when necessary.
Brigadier General Illiyasu, the former Deputy Director of Public Relations for the Nigerian Army's 6th Division in Port Harcourt, made the comment during an interview on Nigeria Info FM's Morning Crossfire while addressing the recent killing of seventeen soldiers in Okuama, Bomadi Local Government Area, Delta State.
This follows heightened reactions from Nigerians over the killing of the military personnel who were reportedly on a peacekeeping mission in the community. The attack claimed the lives of two Majors, one Captain, the Commanding Officer of the 181 Amphibious Battalion, and twelve other personnel.
Brigadier General Illiyasu also denied allegations that the army burned down houses in the community, as he addressed concerns about potential human rights abuses in the community as retaliation for the deaths of the soldiers.
Additionally, while acknowledging President Bola Tinubu's order to punish the perpetrators, Brigadier General Illiyasu assured the public that the military's actions would be targeted solely to apprehend the culprits responsible for the attack.
Expressing sadness over the attack, he accused members of the community of hindering the investigation by protecting the culprits. He urged both the state and local government to step up efforts to ensure those responsible for the killings face justice.
See video:
