Nigerian Army seeks stronger ties with judiciary to fight terrorism
By Mustapha Yauri
Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has appealed for improved collaboration between the military, judiciary and other key stakeholders to curb terrorism and dismantle terrorist networks.
Oluyede said this in Zaria on Tuesday at the 2025 Training Workshop organised by the Nigerian Army School of Legal Services Zaria, Kaduna State.
The theme of the workshop is: “The Menace of Terrorism: A Multi-Stakeholder Approach to Fighting Terrorism in Nigeria.”
Oluyede was represented by Maj.-Gen. Ahmadu-Bello Mohammed, Commandant, Depot Nigeria Army, Zaria.
He said the complexity and adaptability of terrorist threats demand a holistic and collaborative approach, hence the need for improved cooperation among all stakeholders.
“It is only through robust cooperation, information sharing and respect for the rule of law that we can effectively dismantle terrorist networks and address the root causes of extremism,’’ he said.
Oluyede said the workshop which brought together mid-career and junior officers from different formations was to acquaint the participants with legal requirements needed to fight terrorism.
He said the business of the workshop was to deliberate on terrorism which remained a significant threat to the peace, stability and development of Nigeria.
Maj.-Gen. A. Ndalolo, Chief of Training (Army), represented by Col. B. Garba, Commandant, Army School of Physical Training, said the workshop would benefit participants in endangering pro-activism between the legal officers and commanders.
“As legal officers, our role is not only to ensure that justice is served but also to advise commanders, safeguard human rights and facilitate policies that are both effective and just.
“This has continued to enable compliance with the national and international laws, including the international humanitarian law and human rights standard during military operation, investigations and prosecutions,’’ Ndalolo said.
Also, Lt.-Col. Henrietta Longpoe, Acting Commandant, Nigerian Army School of Legal Services, Zaria, said the exercise would enhance the capacity of the participants on critical aspects of the law.
She said the theme of the workshop was selected to stimulate intellectual discourse towards addressing current and emerging legal issues.
According to Longpoe, the fight against terrorism cannot be won by the military alone, stressing that it demands a whole society approach to combating it.
“Therefore, the workshop attempts to explain what terrorism means with a view to understanding and prosecuting it,’’ she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Muhammad Lawal
