Don’t Be Scared By Gun Shots And Troops’ Movements –Army

Don’t be scared if you hear gun shots and witness unusual movements of troops in your neighbourhoods, the Nigerian Army has warned residents of Sokoto.

It gave the warning today amidst increasing anxiety over the political situation in Niger Republic, where the army recently took control.

However, the Army’s warning has nothing to do with the development in Niamey but the inter-Brigade Range Classification Competition of the 8 Division Nigerian Army, Sokoto.

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A statement by Lieutenant Colonel Ikechukwu Eze, and made available to newsmen in Sokoto, said the exercise was for Warrant officers and senior non-commission officers (SNCOs) at Tankwale village shooting range Sokoto, Tuesday, August 8.

According to him, the exercise would involve the movement of troops and firing of live ammunition at the range situated along Illela Road, Sokoto State.

Eze informed the essence was to improve combat proficiency, firing skills and marksmanship of troops within the cadre of non-commission officers.

Residents and people of Tankwale village had therefore been advised to stay away from the general area of the shooting range within the period of the exercise.

They are also advised not to panic at the sight of troops in and around Illela Road, Sokoto State.

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Meanwhile, the Eagle reports that beyond the caution of don’t be scared by gun shots and troops’ movements from the army, there is also another caution this time round for President Tinubu

It is not to dabble into the Niger challenge without mandatorily seeking the approval of both houses of the National Assembly, irrespective of the standing of ECOWAS.

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, gave the caution, adding, “This is in compliance with section 5(4) of the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), which stipulates as follows: (4) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this section:

“(a) the President shall not declare a state of war between the Federation and another country except with the sanction of a resolution of both Houses of the National Assembly, sitting in a joint session; and

“(b) except with the prior approval of the Senate, no member of the armed forces of the Federation shall be deployed on combat duty outside Nigeria.”

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 “However, by virtue of section 5(5) thereof, the President, in consultation with the National Defence Council, may deploy members of the armed forces of the Federation on a limited combat duty outside Nigeria if he is satisfied that the national security is under imminent threat or danger”, the renowned jurist said.