“Don’t behave like bullies” | Buhari warns Armed Forces

President Muhammadu Buhari has reiterated his administration’s total commitment to the rule of law and warned that proven acts of human rights violation by the Armed Forces will not go unpunished.

While addressing officers, troops and newly commissioned cadets at the Nigerian Defence Academy on Saturday, Buhari reminded them that the rule of law applied to the Armed Forces as much as any other institutions in the country.

“I wish to remind you of the Federal Government’s commitment to overhaul the rules of engagement and improve operational and legal mechanisms so that disciplinary steps are taken against proven human rights violations by the armed forces.
“We are committed to a thorough investigation of recent and any future occurrences of human rights violations by elements of our Armed Forces.”

“In operational conduct Nigerians expect our Armed Forces to keep law and order, and not to behave like bullies.
“Rule of law as an element of good governance applies to the Armed Forces as much as any institution in our country. It is therefore gratifying that all three Services have recently taken steps to emphasize strict adherence to rules in recruitment, promotions, procurement, project executions and civil-military relations.”