The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, has kicked against the decision by the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate Nigerian security forces over allegations of “crimes against humanity” and “war crimes”.
The Army chief vehemently objected to the move on Saturday.
In the statement on his behalf by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Sagir Musa, Buratai argued that the move would have negative consequences on troops’ morale and interest in military service by Nigerians.
“There is no doubt such statement and instigation can distract the Nigerian Army troops with its demoralizing effects,” Buratai said.
“The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General TY Buratai, enjoins Nigerian Army troops to ignore the distractions and calls on the gallant troops never to be worried or demoralized by these moves,” the statement by Buratai read in part.
The International Criminal Court building is seen in The Hague, Netherlands, January 16, 2019. REUTERS/Piroschka van de Wouw