Army to use 'minimum force' to stop Biafra agitators once deployed.

The Nigerian Army warned that it may use 'minimum force' in dealing with civilians agitating for the actualization of Biafra Republic.

The General Officer Commanding of the 3rd Division of the Nigerian Army, Hassan Umaru, made this known at a press conference in Maxwell Kobe Cantonment, Rukuba, Plateau State on Monday.

“It is the duty of an officer or soldier to ensure the enforcement of law and order in conjunction with other security agencies," he said "troops are duty bound to intervene in any situation to avoid a breakdown in peace and stability of an area where they are deployed

“It is inexcusable for troops to stand aside and watch security situation deteriorate and for avoidance of doubt, the rule of engagement for internal security operations include principle of minimum force and proportionality must be applied at all times.

“Officers and soldiers have been warned not to take sides in any conflict as anyone found aiding and abetting any act of arson, vandalism or unprofessional conduct would be severely dealt with according to extant laws."

Sending an unequivocal warning to agitators who resort to treasonable felony, arson and destruction of lives and property, Umaru said "The Nigerian Army would like to send an unequivocal warning to all and sundry, more specifically to all those threatening and agitating for the dismemberment of the country, committing treasonable felony and arson as well as wanton destruction of lives and property.

“Once deployed, we shall apply the ROE [Rules of Engagement] to the latter. It is however hoped that such circumstances would not arise that we should be deployed on such operations because, within the ambit of the law, we shall apply the ROE to the fullest,” he added.

He assured Nigerians that the insurgency in the North-East region would be curbed this December in accordance with the deadline given by the federal government to the Nigerian Army.