The Nigerian Army has threatened to subject any of its commanders that fails to act decisively in the face of herdsmen crisis to a court martial.
This is just as it warned that it would no longer fold its arms and allow herdsmen-farmers clashes to cause further chaos across the country.
The army further warned killers to put an immediate stop to their actions or “face decisive action by troops”.
The army spokesman, Brig.-Gen. Texas Chukwu made the disclosure in a statement over the weekend.
The army’s statement comes in the aftermath of continued herdsmen-related violence despite the launch of its ‘Operation Cat Race’.
No fewer than 24 people were killed in Omusu villiage in Okpokwu LGA of Benue State last week in attacks by herdsmen.
Also, a resurgence of violence in Plateau State between Wednesday and Saturday led to the death of 25 people, including a family of five, although the police put the figure of the dead at 16.
The army spokesman said the army and other security agencies would identify the perpetrators of violence “regardless of their disposition in the society, including government functionaries”, and bring them to justice.
He warned the perpetrators of violence in Taraba, Benue and Adamawa states were bring strongly warned to “desist forthwith”.
Chukwu said, “We would like to unequivocally reiterate that the Army Headquarters warns the arsonists and the killers to stop or face decisive action by troops.
“Our Rules of Engagement (ROE) are clear on arson and murder. Therefore, no such criminal acts would be allowed in any of the aforementioned states.
“The public is please reminded that when troops are called out for internal security operations, they are not to joke or persuade anyone.
“We have warned our commanders on the ground to take decisive actions or face court martial.”