Against the background of the ongoing nationwide #EndSARS protests, the Nigerian Army has warned it would deal with people it identified as “subversive elements and trouble makers” if they do not desist.
The protesters have been blocking roads in various Nigerian cities, with their initial demand for the scrapping of the notorious SARS unit accused of extra-judicial killings, torture and extortion.
Although the police unit has been disbanded and replaced with another, the protests have continued unabated, and are spreading across the country.
In a statement on Wednesday by Col Sagir Musa, Director of Army Public Relations, the army said it remained committed to defending the country and her democracy “at all cost.”
“The Nigerian Army wishes to reassure law-abiding citizens that it is highly committed to the sustenance of peace, security, and defence of democracy in Nigeria,” it said.
“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 defending 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.”
The statement directed officers and men “never to be distracted by anti-democratic forces and agents of disunity.”
