The 7-man panel set up to investigate the killing of three police officers attached to the IGP Intelligence Response Team, and two civilians has submitted a final report to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Gabriel Olonisakin.
BusinessDay recalls that the three police officers – Inspector Mark Edaile, Sgt. Usman Danzumi and Sgt Dahiru Musa – were allegedly killed by troops of 93 Battalion, stationed at Ibi area of Taraba State.
The officers were part of a team sent to Ibi inTaraba State to arrest an alleged kidnap kingpin, Hamisu Bala Wadume, who was wanted by the Police.
Consequent upon the killing, President Muhammadu Buhari directed the CDS to set up an investigative panel, a directive that was promptly carried out.
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, made the disclosure on Tuesday at the combined second and third COAS conference in Abuja.
Addressing senior officers at the conference, Buratai vowed to deal with any personnel found culpable in the August 6 incident.
“Unfortunately, incidents such as the recent one at Ibi in Taraba State, which generated intense media comments, are not healthy for the smooth cooperation and operation of our security forces.
“Investigations of the incident have been concluded, and decisive actions will be taken to ensure that it never happens again”, Buratai said.
While recalling other acts of misconduct by soldiers in Ondo and Abia states not too long ago, Buratai charged commanders to educate their personnel on the need to adhere to rules of engagement at all times.
This was even as he called for enhanced reorientation of officers of junior cadres across law enforcement agencies, in a bid to avoid further ugly incidents.
“Similarly, the recent case of alleged by a soldier in 34 Brigade (in Ondo State)…and the shooting of a motorcyclist by another soldier in Umuokereke-Ngwa community of Abia State, are examples of sad and unwarranted events, which we must guard against.
“Nigerian Army will not condone any form of indiscipline, or actions that will tarnish its good image.
“I hereby charge commanders at all levels to continue to educate personnel on the need to adhere to the rules of engagement at all times. And also respect all extant laws and the fundamental rights of citizens as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution,” he said.
Stella Enenche, Abuja
