The Nigerian Army on Friday, 15th March 2019 inaugurated a 9-member Committee, headed by Major Gen. T.A. Gagariga, to investigate all allegations of misconduct against the Force in the 2019 General elections. The Army’s Chief of Administration, Major General K.A.Y. Isiyaku, who inaugurated the committee on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, enjoined the members to employ fairness objectivity and transparency in the course of carrying out their responsibilities, in line with the Committee’s terms of reference. The Committee’s report is expected not later than 31st March 2019.
The investigation of the panel is to find out whether the troops deployed for security purposes during the elections acted within the stipulated Rules of Engagement and the Code of Conduct. As part of the process, the Committee will visit all States where issues have been raised with regard to the conduct of the military during the election period, and interact with Governors of those States, Civil Society Organisations and other security agencies. Some election observers, including national and international observers have been requested by the Committee to send in their reports on soldiers’ involvement in the elections. According to the acting Director of Public Relations, Col. Sagir Musa, Nigerian Army troops were deployed for the elections under operation ‘Safe Conduct’ to provide support to the Nigeria Police and other security outfits and ensure successful conduct of elections in the country.