The Nigerian Army has said it might deploy soldiers to the southeast part of the country to quell the ongoing protests by pro-Biafra groups.
The army said it would not wait for the police to be overwhelmed before performing its supporting duties in internal security. There is no indications tha President Muhammadu Buhari has given the military the matching order to intervene in the burgeoning crisis.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division, Major-Gen. Isidore Edet, said on Monday that the army’s Rule of Engagement for internal security operations would be applied to the letter if the army were to be asked in.
Det while dispelling fears of any pro-Biafra protests in Lagos or in the southwest, assured residents of their safety and security from Boko Haram and any other terrorist group.
His words, “Therefore, the Nigerian Army would like to send an unequivocal warning to all and sundry, more specifically to all those threatening and agitating for the dismemberment of the country, committing treasonable felony and arson, as well as wanton destruction of lives and properties that once deployed, we shall apply the ROE (Rules of Engagement) to the letter.
“It is, however, hoped that such circumstances would not arise that we should be deployed on such operations, because let nobody make any mistake, within the ambit of the law, we shall apply the ROE to the fullest.”
