Tukur Buratai, Nigerian Chief of Army Staff has responded to international influencers calling for a ban on travels for leaders and security personnel for the human rights infringement happening in Nigeria.
Addressing a meeting with Army Commanders in Abuja today, Mr. Buratai mentioned that he does not have a problem if he has to stay in Nigeria for the rest of his life. He added that his first ever travel outside of Nigeria was when he was 50 years old.
He said in a statement;
“Criminal elements are threatening us with travel ban but we are not worried because we must remain in this country to make it better. The first time I traveled outside of this country, I was already 50 years and a General, so I don’t mind if I live the rest of my life here”The Cable quoted him as saying“The events of the past few days in our dear nation have shown the determination of some unscrupulous individuals and groups to destabilise Nigeria by all means,”
These individuals, groups and other undesirable elements have hijacked the peaceful #EndSARS protest marches resulting to widespread violence, acts of wanton destruction and looting of public and private properties in many parts of the country. These acts led to the imposition of curfew in several states of the federation. Despite all these, the army has continued to exercise restraint applied all the principles of internal security operations and fully abided by the internationally recognised rules of engagement as contained in our published standard operating procedures for internal security operations which are derived from the International human rights laws and are in accordance with the international principles guiding the use of force.”
The meeting agenda was centered around the Endsars protests and its accompanying issues.
