The Nigerian Army has ordered its troops to strictly adhere to human rights laws during its internal security and humanitarian operations nationwide.

The chief of civil-military affairs, Nosakhare Ugbo, stated this at a workshop organised for personnel under the Nigeria Army 6 Division, headquartered in Port Harcourt.

The lecture was titled ‘Constitutional Responsibilities of the Nigeria Army Soldier through Adherence to Humanitarian and Human Rights Laws’.

Mr Ugbo said the army was a creation of the nation’s constitution and, as such, has a sacred obligation to perform its duties professionally within the ambits of national and international laws.

“So, on this note, the Nigerian Army organised this workshop to enable troops to perform their duties in strict compliance with global acceptable standards. This workshop aimed to provide you with the required ground to enable you to perform your duties in compliance with humanitarian and human rights laws,” stated Mr Ugbo.

He added, “As professional soldiers, we must be disciplined and conduct ourselves within the ambit of appropriate laws and regulations while avoiding actions capable of bringing the army to disrepute.”

Mr Ugbo said the chief of army staff, Taoreed Lagbaja, was committed to enthroning professionalism in the army, hence, the reason for organising the training.

“Thus, this workshop is aimed at providing troops with the required grounding to enable them to perform their duties in compliance with humanitarian and human rights laws,” he explained. “Personnel must adhere to our respective mandates in mission-specific rules of engagement and codes of conduct in our several operations.”

The army officer stated that adherence to rules “is important as we currently engage in several operations in collaboration with other security agencies and relevant organs of government to defeat the insurgents, terrorists among others.”

He admonished personnel to avoid taking actions that might negatively affect the lives and freedom of citizens in the country.

(NAN)