The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai has said that soldiers should remain apolitical because any soldier caught fraternising with the politicians will be severely dealt with.
Buratai said this during a visit to the 9 Brigade Nigerian Army Cantonment, Ikeja, where over 500 soldiers were on parade.
He said “I want you to remain apolitical. Any soldier seen fraternising with politicians or engaging in politics will be dealt with. We must be responsive in the discharge of our duties and be our brother’s keeper. There must be esprit de corps.
“We must collaborate with other security agencies such as the police, security and civil defence corps and so on. You must have a good relation with the civil populace. Respect their fundamental human rights. You must not molest any civilian but uphold our constitutional roles at all times.”
He also added that the army will curb the excesses of oil thieves in the Niger Delta, he said “It expected that a new chief of army staff should go round the units and formations to talk to the officers, listen to them and identify with their needs.
“Due to the operations in the North-East, I devote most of my time to the region. I then decided that I have to see you because as military professionals, we have to combine all the operations and perform well.
“Your colleagues in the North-East and Niger Delta are doing well. I know you are doing well here too. Some of you once operated in the North-East and Niger Delta. There are challenges of oil banditry and we will tackle it. We must always compose ourselves professionally and responsibly.”