The Nigerian army has announced its preparedness to defend the country’s democracy at all costs.
The acting director of army public relations, Sagir Musa, in a statement cautioned those he called “subversive elements and trouble makers” to desist from any action that will affect the country.
Musa’s statement is coming in response to to series of protests rocking the country as millions of youths rise against police brutality.
The army has responded to the protests by harassing and assaulting reporters, confiscating their equipment and stopping them from doing their legitimate duties.
Musa stated that the army is very committed to the sustenance of peace and security in Nigeria.
“The Nigerian Army (NA) wishes to reassure law abiding citizens that it is highly committed to the sustenance of peace, security and defence of democracy in Nigeria,” he said.
“As a responsible and law abiding organisation, the NA reaffirms its unalloyed loyalty and commitment to the President, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari and the constitution of the country.
“The NA hereby warns all subversive elements and trouble makers to desist from such acts as it remains highly committed to defend the country and her democracy at all cost.
“The NA is ready to fully support the civil authority in whatever capacity to maintain law and order and deal with any situation decisively. All officers and men are directed never to be distracted by anti democratic forces and agents of disunity.”
Political watchers have however cautioned against the use of force on the protesters, telling the authorities that such moves would backfire.
