Counter-insurgency: Buratai leads the ground troops - Army

Following media reports that the control of officers and men of the Nigerian Army was secretly transferred to the Chief of Defense Staff, Gen Abayomi Olonisakin,, thereby causing bad blood among the soldiers, the Nigerian Army has confirmed that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai is in charge of the ground troops engaged in counter-terrorism operations.

The Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, in his reaction to the report said that it was calculated to cause disaffection among the defence personnel fighting terrorists in the Northeast.

He assured that the normal hierarchy of command and control found in all military formations has been maintained since the beginning of operations in the war on terror.

“The Armed Forces Act (AFA), Cap A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN), 2004 in Section 7, clearly states the appointment of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and his powers. He therefore exercises his powers in accordance with the appropriate statute books.

“He superintends over all the Services; Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy and the Nigeria Air Force. Therefore, the operation in the North East is not an exception.

“On the other hand, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) is responsible for all land operations and will continue to exercise that role and as may be directed by the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria through the Honourable Minister of Defence, the CDS or directly to the COAS as the case may be.

“Operation LAFIYA DOLE is essentially Land and Air operation. The Nigerian Army has the largest troops deployed and therefore the COAS has the responsibility for the operational, command, control and discipline of the Army. This the COAS will continue to exercise by himself or can delegate through his field commanders.

“The recent unfortunate attacks by Boko Haram terrorists on communities close to Maiduguri, despite our successes calls for concern. To this end the Nigerian Army has already commenced investigation into the attacks.

“All those found wanting will be dealt with in accordance with the Armed Forces Act. A standing Special Court Martial in the North East has already been established by the Nigerian Army.” he said.

He assured that all reported cases of misconduct including human rights abuse would be looked into.