34 Artillery Brigade Holds Human Rights Workshop, Warns Troops Against Misconduct
As Civil-Military Affairs Chief Reaffirms Army’s Commitment to Professional Standards
By Kelechi Ugo
Troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade, Owerri, have been charged to uphold the highest standards of human rights, discipline and professional conduct in the discharge of their duties.
The directive was given by the Chief of Civil-Military Affairs (Army), Major General Musa Awwal Etsu-Ndagi, during a sensitisation workshop organised by the Army Headquarters Department of Civil-Military Affairs for officers and soldiers currently deployed under Operation UDO KA in Imo State.
The workshop, held at The Place Event Centre along Port Harcourt Road, Owerri, focused on Human Rights and Professional Conduct in military operations.
Addressing participants, Major General Etsu-Ndagi commended the troops for their resilience and dedication amid ongoing security challenges. He noted that the operational environment remains complex, with terrorists and criminal elements often hiding within civilian populations, thereby requiring soldiers to exercise sound judgment and professionalism at all times.
He emphasised that while troops must remain combat-ready and decisive, their actions must be guided by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, established Rules of Engagement, national laws and international humanitarian principles.
According to him, strict respect for human rights is not only a legal obligation but also a strategic imperative that strengthens operational effectiveness and builds public confidence in the Nigerian Army.
“Failure to adhere to these standards can undermine public trust and erode the legitimacy of military operations,” he warned.
The senior officer also cautioned against the pilferage and illegal sale of arms and ammunition, describing such acts as grave offences that pose serious threats to national security. He stressed that weapons diverted from military custody could end up in the hands of criminals, endangering civilians, fellow soldiers and even the families of erring personnel.
In his welcome address, the Commander, 34 Artillery Brigade, Brigadier General Abubakar Ahmed, represented by the Brigade Chief of Staff, Colonel S.M. Ahmed, appreciated the Civil-Military Affairs Department for organising what he described as a timely and relevant workshop.
He noted that troops operating under Operation UDO KA function in a demanding security climate and reiterated that professionalism, discipline and strict adherence to the Rules of Engagement remain essential for mission success.
He added that operational achievements are measured not only by battlefield gains but also by responsible conduct and respect for the civil populace. He reaffirmed the Brigade’s alignment with the Chief of Army Staff’s command philosophy and assured that personnel would apply lessons learnt from the workshop in their daily operations.
The event featured four lectures aimed at reinforcing professional standards and troop welfare. Topics covered included Human Rights and Professional Conduct of Personnel, Psychoactive Substance Abuse, Children in Armed Conflict, and Mental Health and Family Cohesion. Resource persons drawn from relevant professional fields delivered the sessions.
The workshop concluded with the presentation of souvenirs to guest lecturers and invited dignitaries, followed by a group photograph.
