War Against Terrorists: Military Will Not Offend Humanitarian Laws – COAS
Fatimah Abdullahi
Nigeria Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt- Gen Tukur Yusufu Buratai, Thursday reiterated the resolve of military authorities not to offend humanitarian laws in all its operations, especially the ongoing war against insurgency in the North- East.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Director of Army Public Relations, DAPR, Col. Sani Usman.
According to the statement, Gen. Buratai re-echoed this commitment when the Head of Operations, African Region, International Committee of the Red Cross, ICRC, Patricia Danzi, led other members of the organisation to the Army headquarters in Abuja.
The COAS stated that the mandate of the Nigerian Army was to facilitate humanitarian assistance provided by the ICRC and other humanitarian agencies like the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, adding that he was happy with the cordial relationship existing between the Nigerian Army and the ICRC.
He promised that the Army would continue to collaborate with ICRC and ensure adherence to international best practices as well as alleviate the sufferings of vulnerable persons, particularly women and children.
Speaking earlier, Danzi congratulated the COAS on his appointment, stating that the organisation would continue to identify with the Nigerian Army.
The ICRC chief noted with satisfaction that the two institutions were working together to ensure that humanitarian laws were protected.
She commended the Nigerian Army’s efforts in the ongoing fight against insurgency. She reiterated the need for a continued frank and transparent relationship between the ICRC and the Nigerian Army.