According to claims made by Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff, the military would be called in immediately to defend the citizens of Banex Plaza in the event of a possible attack. Although these tasks are typically associated with policing, he pointed out that the Nigerian military’s function is becoming more and more domestic in nature.CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>
He pointed out that the Army is extensively deployed across Nigeria, including all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, actively engaged in internal security operations to maintain peace and order. He however identified that the allegations raised against the troops involved in the Banez Plaza incident will be thoroughly investigated. He assured the public that any culpable individuals would face appropriate sanctions.
He said in an interview with Channels TV, ”The press release from the Army PRO clearly states that these allegations will be investigated. We are investigating and we will take appropriate sanctions in the troops if they are found to be culpable. The army is already deployed in the public space. We are deployed in all the 36 States of the Federation and even in the Federal Capital Territory, we are conducting Internal Security Operations.
Although these are policing tasks but the employment of the military in Nigeria is inward-looking. We are not an expeditionary force. And to that extent, if we perceive that there is a likelihood of a breach of law and breakdown of law and order, we will intervene. If Banex is attacked, it is the military that will be called out to protect them. Even in shutting down the place, we worked together with the police. Do not forget that when the troops were being assaulted right within the presence of Banex, the policemen there came around to make sure it doesn’t escalate further.”CONTINUE FULL READING>>>>>