The Nigerian Army has warned that it was ready to deal with subversive elements and trouble makers, adding that it remains highly committed to defending the country.
Recall that Nigerians have taken to the streets to protest extrajudicial killings and brutality by the now-disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
Following pressure from protesters the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mohammed Adamu, disbanded SARS and announced the formation of a new unit called Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team.
He also ordered former operatives of the disbanded SARS to submit themselves for psychological and medical examination at the Force HQ.
Unsatisfied with the IGP’s actions so far Nigerians on social media began another advocacy using #EndSWAT as a replacement for #EndSARS.
On Tuesday, a video of some soldiers assaulting a cameraman working for ARISE TV and seizing his equipment when protesters besieged the national assembly went viral.
The soldiers also attacked protesters that include sociopolitical activist, Aisha Yesufu.
TheCable reporter also narrated how he escaped being shot by an angry soldier.
In a statement on Wednesday evening, Sagir Musa, acting army director of army public relations, the army restated its loyalty to President Muhammadu Buhari.
“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,” he 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 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.”
