What The Army Has To Say About Buhari’s Directive To Deal “Ruthlessly” With Ballot Box Snatchers

The Nigerian army says it would remain apolitical and its actions guided by the rules of engagement during the general election.

President Muhammadu Buhari, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), had on Monday warned those who might want to snatch ballot boxes would do so at the expense of their lives.

The president said he rarely gives the military and the police the power to be ruthless, and “anybody who decides to snatch ballot boxes or lead thugs to disturb, it may be the last unlawful action you will take.”

But in a telephone conversation with TheCable on Tuesday, Sagir Musa, army spokesman, said the army’s involvement starts and ends with provision of peaceful and secure environment for the conduct of the elections.

“Our actions are guided by the extant rules of engagement and code of conduct. The constitution of Nigeria is the grundnorm guiding all our actions,” he said.