By Zakaa Lazarus
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has charged legal officers of the Nigerian Army to provide timely and operationally relevant advice to commanders as the Army expands its formations and operations across the country.
Shaibu gave the charge on Tuesday in Abuja while declaring open a specialised training workshop for officers of the Directorate of Legal Services (Army).
He was represented by the Chief of Administration (Army), Maj.-Gen. Isa Abdullahi.
The COAS said the Army’s expansion beyond increasing personnel and formations, requires stronger institutional mechanisms for compliance with International Humanitarian Law (IHL), human rights and military justice.
He said the complex nature of contemporary security operations demands sound and practical legal guidance for commanders at all levels.
According to him, the workshop, themed “The Role of Legal Officers in Advising Commanders on Compliance with International Humanitarian Law and Military Justice System”, is designed to enhance capacity in areas such as civilian harm mitigation, protection of medical personnel and facilities, emerging technologies, artificial intelligence and autonomous weapon systems.
He stressed that adherence to principles of military necessity, humanity, distinction, proportionality and precaution remains essential to achieving military objectives while protecting civilians and sustaining public confidence.
Shaibu said legal officers must be prepared to support commanders at the strategic, operational and tactical levels as new formations become operational, to translate constitutional provisions, international law and Rules of Engagement into lawful actions.
Earlier, Acting Director of Legal Services (Army), Col. Samson Okebukola, said the training would enhance officers’ understanding of operational realities and legal guidance during operations and military support to civil authorities.
He said the Army’s commitment to lawful operations is reflected in adherence to IHL principles in Operation Hadin Kai and protection of fundamental rights under Chapter Four of the 1999 Constitution during internal security operations, including Operation Fansan Yamma.
Okebukola described military lawyers as “soldier-jurists” who integrate legal considerations into planning, execution, discipline and accountability, noting that fair trial and procedural justice remain critical to military justice and operational legitimacy.
