Abuja:The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has instructed Army legal officers to adhere strictly to national and international laws during military operations.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, this directive was given during the opening of a five-day specialized training workshop for Nigerian Army lawyers in Abuja. The workshop, organized by the Directorate of Legal Services (Army), is themed ‘The Role of Legal Officers in Advising Commanders on Compliance with International Humanitarian Law and the Military Justice System.’
Represented by Maj.-Gen. I.M. Abdullahi, Chief of Administration of the Nigerian Army, Shaibu emphasized the importance of legal officers in implementing the Army’s mandate. He stressed the necessity for commanders to receive timely and sound legal advice to ensure operational success is achieved in compliance with the Constitution, the Armed Forces Act, international humanitarian law, and human rights laws.
Shaibu urged legal officers to remain independent, courageous, and objective in their counsel to prevent violations, protect civilians, and enhance public confidence. He also highlighted the need for their integration into operational planning and decision-making, rather than being consulted post-incident.
The workshop aims to bolster the capacity of legal officers in advising commanders on legal applications during operations. Col. Samuel Okebukola, Acting Director of Legal Services (Army), described military lawyers as key figures in maintaining the rule of law within the military framework. He underscored the dual role of legal officers in supporting military discipline while upholding professional ethics.
Okebukola also emphasized the Army’s commitment to lawful conduct, noting compliance with rights under the 1999 Constitution and the Geneva Conventions Act. He stated that military lawyers must guide commanders on lawful military actions and ensure fair trials according to legal standards.
Participants were encouraged to leverage the training to improve their professional skills and contribute effectively to military operations. Okebukola thanked the COAS for his support and for approving the specialized training workshop.