Maj.-Gen. Rogers Nicholas, the Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, says the ongoing counter-insurgency operation is guided by Rules of Engagement and respect for human rights.
Nicholas also disclosed that over 3,000 persons were rescued by troops from Boko Haram captivity in the past few weeks in Sambisa Forest and Lake Chad region.
The theatre commander’s remarks are in a statement signed by Col. Oyeama Nwachukwu, the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations in Maiduguri on Friday.
Nwachukwu stated that Nicholas made the comments when members of the Centre for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC), an NGO, paid him a courtesy visit on Thursday in Maiduguri.
The deputy director noted that Nicholas explained that the campaign was guided by Operational Code of Conduct, Rules of Engagement, and International Humanitarian Laws.
Nwachukwu also disclosed that the civilians were rescued by troops of Operation Lafiya Dole in the ongoing Operation Deep Punch II to clear remnants of the insurgents.
He added that “in Operation Lafiya Dole, we are duty bound to rescue and protect civilians in the conduct of our operations.”
The commander lauded the NGO for initiating programmes aimed at protecting people in conflict affected areas.
Earlier, Frederico Borolo, the executive Director of the organization, gave score card on activities of the NGO in the North East, saying “CIVIC is an organisation that focuses on prevention and protection of civilians from harm in conflict situations.”
Borolo says the organisation serves as bridge between the military and civilians in conflict areas.
He added that “we also work with government and military actors to minimize conflict and its consequences on civilian population in the theatre of operation.”
