The Nigerian army says strict observance of humanitarian and human rights laws will enhance troops’ performance in internal security and peace support operations.

The Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Maj.-Gen. Nosakhare Ugbo, stated this at a lecture and sensitisation workshop on human rights organised for troops of 1 Division on Tuesday in Kaduna.

Mr Ugbo, represented by Brig.-Gen. Bola Keji, director of psychological warfare at the army headquarters (department of civil-military affairs.

Mr Ugbo said the army must perform their duties within the limits prescribed by laws, including the International Charter on Human Rights. 

He, therefore, charged the personnel to avoid actions that might negatively affect the lives of law-abiding citizens or their civil liberties.

“It is against this background that the army headquarters is conducting sensitisation awareness to enable troops under the command to perform their duties strictly in compliance with human rights and globally accepted standards,” Mr Ugbo explained.

He added, “Additionally, the Nigerian Army is currently conducting internal security operations across the country with other security agencies. Therefore, a high level of discipline and professionalism is required from each soldier at all levels.”

Mr Ugbo said certain fundamental rights are inalienable, which troops must respect during any operation.

“Some of these rights include the right to life, right to dignity of human persons, right to personal liberty, right to fair hearing. Right to private and family life, right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion and right to freedom of expression and press, to mention but a few,” Mr Ugbo stressed. “I urge you all to open your minds and ask questions as well as contribute immensely to the body of knowledge that will guide us in the discharge of our duties.”

(NAN)