The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, on Thursday in Enugu said the Nigerian Armed Forces had commenced investigations into the alleged extra-judicial killing of unarmed pro-Biafra protesters in Aba, Abia State.
About 10 members of the Indigenous People of Biafra were reportedly killed when troops opened fire as they were calling for the release of their leader, Nnamdi Kanu, in February.
There were also reports that about 30 other members of the group sustained serious injuries during the incident.
Amnesty International had condemned the development, accusing the army of ‘excessive use of force’ against the pro-Biafra activists.
Fielding questions from journalists, after addressing officers and men of the 82 Division, in Enugu, Buratai said the army was investigating the alleged extra-judicials killings.
“We are already investigating it. When such incidents involve the loss of lives we usually conduct an investigation – that is our procedure,” the army chief said.
But he also went ahead to observe that the soldiers could not have opened fire on the activists without provocation.
He said, “We have our rules of engagement, the troops cannot just open fire.”
Earlier, while addressing officers and men of the military formation, Buratai said the army’s rules of engagement permitted the use of force, once other measures fail to address a security challenge.
Instructing the soldiers on the need to be ‘professional’ in discharging their duties, he said, “We have to ensure that we work within the framework of our rules of engagement.
“You know that the Rules of Engagement provides for the protection of human rights, especially the protection of innocent citizens.
“But in situations that entail the use of fire, the protection of human rights does not apply.
“So when you apply the Rules of Engagement and it is necessary to open fire human rights will not apply.”
The COAS stressed that the 1999 Constitution, and the Armed Forces Act, all provided for the use of force when necessary.
