Breaking: Army sets up Panel to probe conduct of personnel during 2019 polls

The Nigerian Army has set up a nine-member Panel to probe the conduct of its personnel during the 2019 general elections.

The spokesman of the Service, Colonel Sagir Musa, announced this in a statement on Friday.

According to Musa, the investigative committee is headed by Major General TA Gagariga, with Brig Gen JM Ali, Brig Gen GO Adeshina,  Brig Gen MA Obari,  Col AT Bitiyong, Col A Tanko and Col WA Bakare as members and Lt Col PAJ Ebuk as Secretary.

The committee is to investigate all allegations of misconduct against the Nigerian Army during the just concluded general elections.

The committee is to submit its report not later than March 31, 2019.

The committee, which has already commenced action, was inaugurated by the Chief of  Administration, Major General KAY Isiyaku, on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, and admonished to carry out their duties objectively, fairly and transparently in line with its Terms of Reference.

The committee’s Terms of Reference centered on thoroughly investigating the activities, actions and/or inactions  of Nigerian Army personnel in all the States that alleged one infraction/wrong doing or the other.

The Committee is also to collate and thoroughly analyze all reports to determine the veracity of the allegations, including the alleged assassination attempt on the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, and the circumstances that led to the shooting to death of Lieutenant Kurmi as well as that leading to serious injuries to an officer and some soldiers in the State.

The Committee is further mandated to visit all States where issues have been raised about the conduct of NA during and after the elections and also interact with Civil Society Organizations, sister security agencies and State Governors with claims against the Army.

Gagariga has assured the COAS and all Nigerians of the committee’s commitment, resolve and determination to objectively and professionally address the major issues as contained in the Committee’s Terms of Reference.