Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has insisted that soldiers should not be deployed to suppress civil rights protests.

He stated this while commending the Nigerian Army for detaining the soldier responsible for the loss of a young protester’s life, saying it was a commendable step towards accountability and preserving the rule of law.

The former vice president said he had consistently advised the service chiefs and military commanders that the use of lethal force against peaceful protesters must not be authorised.

While stressing the need to ensure adherence to rules of engagement even in conflicts, he said soldiers should not be deployed to suppress civil rights protests.

Atiku said, “I am heartened by the acknowledgement made by the Nigerian Army regarding the tragic incident that resulted in the loss of a young protester’s life.

“I also urge for thorough investigations into other instances of violence perpetrated by the military, police, and other security agencies during these protests, in the spirit of accountability.

“The decision to detain the soldier responsible for this unfortunate incident marks a commendable step towards accountability and preserving the rule of law. I have consistently advised the service chiefs and military commanders that the use of lethal force against peaceful protesters must not be authorised.

“Upholding the principle of accountability is paramount, and the actions taken by the Nigerian Army in apprehending and, hopefully, prosecuting the soldier responsible for this incident align with this fundamental principle.

“Even amidst conflicts, it is crucial to adhere to rules of engagement. Soldiers should not be deployed to suppress civil rights protests,” he said.