Protests: Army Threatens To Deal Decisively With Anti-Democratic Forces

The Nigerian Army on Thursday, assured “law abiding” Nigerians that it was highly committed to the sustenance of peace, security and defence of democracy in the country.

According to a statement issued by Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Sagir Musa, the army as a responsible and law abiding organisation, affirmed its loyalty and commitment to President Muhammadu Buhari and the country’s constitution.

Sagir further warned “subversive elements and trouble makers to desist from such  acts”, noting that the army remained “highly committed to defend the country and her democracy at all cost.”

He expressed the readiness of the force to support the civil authority in whatever capacity to maintain law and order and as well deal with any situation “decisively.”

He said: “The Nigerian Army (NA) wishes to reassure law abiding citizens that it is highly committed to the sustenance of peace, security and defence of democracy in  Nigeria. As a responsible and law abiding organisation,  the NA reaffirms its unalloyed loyalty and commitment to the President, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari and the Constitution of the Country.

“The NA hereby warns all subversive elements and trouble makers to desist from such  acts as it remains highly committed to defend the country and her democracy at all cost. The NA is ready to fully support the civil authority in whatever capacity to maintain law and order and deal with any situation decisively. All officers  and men are directed never to be distracted by anti democratic forces and agents of disunity.”

Though, Sagir did not mention what informed this affirmation by the army, it might not be unconnected with the ongoing nationwide protests against the now disbanded Special Anti-Robbey Squad of the Nigerian Police Force.

The protest is titled #ENDSARS.

The Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Adamu on Sunday, ordered the disbanding of SARS following widespread protests.

The disbanding came on the heels of allegations of extra-judicial killings, extortion and rights abuses.

According to IGP Adamu, the dissolution of SARS is with immediate effect across all the 36 State Police Commands and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

THE WHISTLER recalls that only yesterday, Wednesday, some alleged thugs believed to be pro-SARS supporters, attacked the anti-SARS protesters at Berger in Abuja.

The attack may have heightened security concerns, which may have informed the decision of the army.