The Nigerian Army’s Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Major General Gold Chibuisi, has emphasised the importance of sustaining public trust and confidence in the military.

Speaking at a sensitisation workshop on Human Rights and Professional Conduct for troops of 6 Division Nigerian Army Headquarters Port harcourt, he stressed that upholding the provisions of the constitution and protecting human rights of civilians is crucial.

The workshop aimed to equip troops with the necessary understanding of laws regulating military operations and fundamental human rights, ensuring they execute their duties effectively while upholding human rights.

The Army chief noted that the successes of military operations can easily be nullified by the unprofessional conduct of troops, and therefore, it is essential to ensure that operations are conducted with utmost professionalism and caution.

He cited the recent nationwide protests, where troops conducted Operation PEACEFUL NATIONS with remarkable restraint, resulting in zero casualties among their ranks.

He said: “For us to sustain public trust and confidence, we must uphold the provisions of the constitution and protect the human rights of neutral civilians as well as always behave professionally.

“Bearing in mind that the successes of our operations can easily be nullified by the unprofessional conduct of troops, we must therefore ensure that our operations are conducted with utmost professionalism and caution.

“Our recent experience during the nationwide protests exemplified this commitment, as our troops conducted Operation PEACEFUL NATIONS during nationwide ‘End Bad Governance Protest’ with remarkable restraint, resulting in zero casualties among our ranks.”

The Chief Host, General Officer Commanding (GOC)6 Division, Major General Emmanuel Emekah, who welcomed participants to the workshop, emphasized the importance of regular refresher training to remind troops of human rights and international best practices.

He noted that the workshop is a significant step towards promoting a culture of respect for human rights and professional conduct among troops, underscoring the Nigerian Army’s commitment to human rights and its core values.

“Troops are deployed for these operations armed with Rules of Engagement and Codes of Conduct. However, regular refresher training is required to remind troops humam rights and international best practices.

“Hence, this noble programme organized by Army Headquarters Department of Civilitary Affairs, is a significant step towards promoting culture of respect human rights and professional conduct among troops and It underscores Nigerian Army commitment for human rights and its core values,” the GOC stated.

The GOC appreciated the organisers and resource persons, urging participants to benefit from the rich lectures lined up for the two-day workshop.

He also expressed gratitude to the Army Headquarters Department of Civil-Military Affairs for choosing 6 Division for the event and thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, for his support and guidance.