CDS General
Olonisakin
Finally, Panel
CDS General
Olonisakin
Finally, Panel Submits Recommendations on the Killing of
Policemen by Soldiers in Taraba
Following the directive of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed
Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari for an immediate investigation
into the unfortunate incident that led to the killing of 3 Nigerian
Police Force (NPF) personnel and 2 civilians by troops of the
Nigerian Army (NA) along Ibi-Wukari Road in Taraba State, the Chief
of Defence Staff General AG Olonisakin constituted a Board of
Inquiry (BOI) to investigate the incident.
The 7 member BOI led by Rear Admiral Ibikunle Taiwo Olaiya as
chairman, comprised one representative each from the Defence
Headquarters, Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force,
Defence Intelligence Agency, Nigeria Police and Department of State
Service.
You will recall that on 6 August 2019, reports of the sad
killing of 3 police men and 2 civilians in Ibi Local Government
Area of Taraba State by troops of the NA broke out. This gave rise
to serious concern by the Federal government, the military and
police high command.
The incident started from Ibi town, following an alarm alleging
the kidnap of one Alhaji Hamisu Bala (aka Wadume) by some
individuals in a Hummer bus. Captain Tijani Balarabe informed all
military checkpoints along Ibi-Wukari Road, who sprang into
action.
The alleged Hummer bus mentioned in the distress call however
conveyed Police personnel of the IGP-IRT who were on a legitimate
duty in Taraba State. Also, military checkpoints in the area were
deployed by troops of Headquarters 93 Battalion, Takum, who were
equally on legitimate duty to checkmate communal clashes,
kidnapping and armed robbery, which were prevalent threats in
Wukari Ibi area.
After a thorough and painstaking investigation into the
incident, the BOI submitted its report to the convening authority
observing that, there were infractions and poor communication
between personnel of the NPF and troops of the NA. It was also
observed that there was non-adherence to the Standard Operating
Procedure by both parties involved in the incident. It further made
some recommendations to the NA and NPF to forestall future
reoccurrence and bring anyone culpable to book in accordance with
extant laws.
The BOI also recommended that the NA and NPF should further
investigate Captain Tijani Balarabe, Sergeant Ibrahim Mohammed,
Corporal Bartholomew Obanye, DCO Ibi Police Division, Assistant
Superintendent of Police Aondoona Iorbee, and Inspector Aliyu Dadje
for complacency and necessary disciplinary measures. It was also
recommended that further investigation be conducted on Hamisu Bala
for gunrunning and possibly kidnapping, in order to prosecute the
suspect.
Additionally, the BOI recommended that the Services and other
security agencies establish an Interagency Liaison Desk to include
senior officers for timely resolution of future misdemeanor.
The Defence Headquarters once again assures the public that the
Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies are working in
synergy to tackle contemporary security challenges be-deviling the
nation.
ONYEMA NWACHUKWU
Colonel
Acting Director Defence Information