Nigerian military defends actions, says not above the law

By: Princess Nirv

The Defence Headquarters has responded to a newspaper editorial that criticized the Nigerian military’s actions, particularly in regards to the attack on Distribution Companies (DISCOS).

The editorial, published on Wednesday, March 2025, placed guilt on the entire Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), which the military deemed unfair and unjustified.

According to Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information on Wednesday, said the editorial failed to fact-check with the military hierarchy before making its verdict. Gusau emphasized that the military is committed to upholding the Constitution and the rule of law, and that it has mechanisms in place to investigate and discipline erring personnel.

Gusau took issue with the editorial’s assertion that the military has a culture of impunity, stating that this is not supported by facts. He noted that isolated incidents reported in Lagos should not be extrapolated to represent a nationwide problem. “We have 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. Those isolated cases reported happened in Lagos. Therefore, to paint the picture to the general public as if this is a daily occurrence across the nation, is not fair enough,” Gusau said.

The military also rejected the editorial’s assertion that past incidents were treated with levity and false conciliation devoid of punitive measures against erring personnel. Gusau stated that the military has a robust system in place to investigate and discipline erring personnel, and that this system has been effective in maintaining discipline within the ranks.

Gusau also criticized the editorial for stating that the military has continued to ride roughshod on civilians and private enterprises. He described this statement as “drawing hyperbole on the superlative side” and emphasized that the military is committed to respecting the rights of civilians and private enterprises.

Furthermore, Gusau rejected the editorial’s call for an independent oversight mechanism to ensure that the military is accountable. He stated that the military already has mechanisms in place to ensure accountability, including military police and Intelligence Corps, which are saddled with the task of thorough investigation and disciplining erring military personnel.

Additionally, Gusau noted that the AFN has Court Marshals in all its formations to try erring personnel, which has helped to strengthen respect for citizens’ fundamental human rights. “The AFN under the able leadership of General Christopher Musa will continue to remain focused, committed, and submissive to the tenets of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Gusau said.

The Defence Headquarters emphasized that the military is not above the law and is committed to upholding the Constitution and the rule of law.