Nigeria Army warns against pro-Biafra protests in Lagos Today

Nigerian Army 81 Division has warned residents of Lagos State against joining the agitation for the creation of Biafra, adding that the military is prepared to quash any violent protest. The General Officer Commanding, 81 Division, Maj. Gen. Isidore Edet, gave the warning while speaking with journalists in Lagos on Monday.

He said,

 “For those committing treasonable felony and arson, as well as wanton destruction of lives and property, we shall apply the Rules of Engagement to the letter.
“It is, however, hoped that such circumstances would not arise that we should be deployed in such operations, because let nobody make any mistake, within the ambit of the law, we shall apply the ROE to the letter.
“The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) vide Section 217 (2) (c) provides that the Armed Forces of Nigeria shall suppress insurrection and act in aid of civil authority to restore order when called upon to do so by the President, Commander-in-Chief.
“This provision is reinforced by Section (8) (1) and (3) of the Armed Forces Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, (LFN) 2004. “This presupposes that troops have to use necessary force to quell crisis resulting in deaths, injury and damage to property.”

“Any officer or soldier found aiding or abetting any act of arson, vandalism or unprofessional conduct, will be severely dealt with according to extant laws,’’ he said.