The House of Representatives has announced plans to summon the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, and the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, over allegations of unlawful military operations carried out by the 177 Battalion in Nasarawa State. This decision follows growing outcry from residents and civil society groups who accused the battalion of engaging in rights violations and extrajudicial actions during recent operations.
Lawmakers expressed concerns over reports that the battalion’s activities had caused significant distress among local communities, including claims of arbitrary arrests and excessive use of force. The House emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability within the military, reiterating the need for proper conduct during operations to protect the rights of civilians.
The House Committee on Defence has been mandated to investigate the allegations thoroughly and report back with findings. The committee is also expected to recommend measures to prevent similar incidents in the future and ensure that military operations across the country align with constitutional provisions and international human rights standards.
While acknowledging the sacrifices of the armed forces in maintaining national security, lawmakers stressed that the fight against insecurity must be conducted within the confines of the law. They reiterated their commitment to holding all institutions accountable and fostering trust between the military and citizens.
