The Army Headquarters Department of Civil-Military Cooperation has charged troops of the Nigerian Army to comply with International Humanitarian Laws (IHL) in the conduct of their constitutional responsibilities.
The charge was given on Friday, 1 December 2023 at a one-day sensitization workshop for troops of 7 Division /Sector 1 Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK).
The GOC 7 Division/Commander Sector 1 OPHK, Major General Peter Malla, disclosed that the workshop was aimed at sensitising troops on their obligations under IHL in the conduct of counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations in the North East.
He noted that this sensitization effort was necessary for realising the Chief of Amy Staff, COAS’ command philosophy which is “to transform the NA into a well-trained, equipped and highly motivated force towards achieving our constitutional responsibilities within a joint environment”.
In his opening remarks, the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (CCMA), Major General Nosakhare Ugbo, who declared the event open, remarked that the NA was involved in numerous operations across the country and thus has the sacred obligation of ensuring personnel operate in line with international best practices.
The CCMA reiterated that the workshop would sufficiently enlighten troops with international humanitarian and human rights laws as well as treaties to guide them in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.
The workshop, which was themed “Constitutional Responsibilities of the Nigerian Army Soldier through Adherence to Humanitarian and Human Right Laws”, was attended by senior officers from Headquarters Theatre Command, 7 Division, and troops drawn from various units across the theatres of operations.
