Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The 82 Division of the Nigerian Army has organised an internal security lecture, while tasking troops on professional conduct during internal security duties within the Division’s Areas of Responsibility (AOR).
The acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations of the Division, Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, said in a statement on Friday that the sensitisation lecture was held from Aug. 22 to Aug. 24 at Abakpa Military Cantonment, Enugu.
Unuakhalu said that the three-day lecture was organised to re-orientate and educate troops on the global best practices of roadblock and checkpoints.
According to him, the lecture is in line with the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Command Philosophy which is “To Transform the Nigerian Army into a Well-Trained, Equipped and Highly Motivated Force Towards Achieving our Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint Environment.”
“Headquarters 82 Division Nigerian Army has organised a sensitisation lectures for troops deployed at various roadblocks and checkpoints within the Division’s Area of Responsibility (AOR).
“The military has been involved in manning checkpoint across the country due to insecurity which has threatened the sovereignty of the country.
“Despite the numerous advantage of military checkpoint, there has been series of complaints from the civil populace on the unprofessional conducts of troops at military checkpoints which negates the aim of setting up the checkpoint.
“Roadblocks and checkpoint are mainly security measures implemented by the authorities to monitor and control the movement of vehicle and people in a particular area.
“They serve various purposes including law enforcement, security and traffic management,” he said.
The division’s spokesman said that during the lecture series topics ranging from types of road blocks, principles of road blocks and importance of professional act of soldiers at military checkpoint were taught and questions asked on them.
He said that other issues lectured and discussed on are “Implication of Extortion” and “Punishment to be Awarded to Erring Personnel.”
“The general public is therefore advised to desist from giving gratification to soldiers at checkpoints and report cases of misconduct by troops to the appropriate authorities.
“The Division will continue to carry out it assigned and constitutional role in line with global best practices,” he assured.
