The Nigerian Army has confirmed that Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai is in charge of ground troops fighting the violent Boko Haram sect.
The confirmation was made on Sunday after a news medium Daily Post, in an exclusive report on Saturday, revealed how the control of Army officers and soldiers was secretly transferred to the office of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Abayomi Olonishakin, a development that did not go down with many of the troops.
The Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, while reacting to the development in a statement said the report was meant to cause disaffection among the personnel fighting Boko Haram terrorists, adding that since the beginning of this operation, an hierarchy of command and control as found in all military operations had been in place.
He further said that: “The Armed Forces Act (AFA), Cap A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN), 2004 in Section 7, clearly states the appointment of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and his powers. He therefore exercises his powers in accordance with the appropriate statue books.
“He superintends over all the Services; Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and the Nigeria Air Force.Therefore, the operation in the North East is not an exception.
“On the other hand, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) is responsible for all land operations and will continue to exercise that role and as may be directed by the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria through the Honourable Minister ofDefence, the CDS or directly to the COAS as the case may be.
“Operation LAFIYA DOLE is essentially Land and Air operation. The Nigerian Army has the largest troops deployed and therefore the COAS has the responsibility for the operational, command, control and discipline of the Army. This the COAS will continue to exercise by himself or can delegate through his field commanders.
“The recent unfortunate attacks by Boko Haram terrorists on communities close to Maiduguri, despite our successes calls for concern. To this end the Nigerian Army has already commenced investigation into the attacks.
“All those found wanting will be dealt with in accordance with the Armed Forces Act. A.standing Special Court Martial in the North East has already been established by the Nigerian Army.”
According to the statement, all cases of indiscipline and related acts of misconduct including human rights abuse in the operations will be tried by the Court.