ICC Probe: Disregard Unnecessary Distractions – Buratai Charges Army

Reacting to the move by the International Criminal Court to investigate the Nigerian Army, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, has stated that the move was a wicked and unnecessary distraction.

He made this known in a statement titled, ‘COAS Urges Troops Fighting Boko Haram/ISWAP Terrorists In The North East Not To Be Demoralised By The International Criminal Court Investigation And The Amnesty International (Nigeria) Posture’ which was made available to newsmen on Saturday.

The ICC Prosecutor, Fatou Besouda, has stated that there are reasons to investigate the Nigerian Army over war crimes and human rights abuse.

The statement partly read, “There is no doubt such statement and instigation can distract the Nigerian Army troops with its demoralising effects. It will have negative consequences on troops morale, interest in military service by Nigerians and a severe setback to all our internal security operations in the country.”

Buratai, however, enjoined the troops to ignore the distractions and call on them not to be demoralised by these moves.

“The COAS who is currently in self-isolation as part of precaution against the COVID-19 would soon be joining our gallant troops in the North East at the end of the mandatory isolation period to continue giving the desired la leadership and support to the gallant and patriotic troops of the Nigerian Army,” the statement added.

The Army chief “further enjoined troops to ignore the wicked, unnecessary distractions and direct troops to fully concentrate on the final defeat of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist group which is in sight.”

Source: Punch