Assault: Military bans officers, men from use of sirens, horsewhips

The Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Paul Dike, on Tuesday read the Riot Act to military personnel, banning them from the use of sirens and horse whips anywhere in the country.

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Chief of Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Paul Dike

The ban followed the recent assault on one Miss Uzoma Okere 26, by four naval ratings attached to the convoy of Rear Admiral Harry Arogundade in Lagos.

The incident, which attracted great public outcry, resulted in the Presidency and the Defence headquarters calling for a probe by the Chief of Naval Staff.

The Navy, consequently set up of a Board of Inquiry, and the report, which is yet to be made public, has since been submitted to the Chief of Naval Staff.

But, on Tuesday, the CDS, who briefed the press through the Director of Defence Information, Col. Chris Jemitola, said the persistent use of sirens and horsewhips by military personnel to terrorise civilians was unacceptable in the new dispensation.

He said the ban would however, not affect himself, the Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, and Chief of Air Staff, who were directed to use sirens‘only when absolutely necessary’.

“The Chief of Defence Staff has noted the unacceptable use of sirens and horsewhips to terrorise and force other road users off the road with dire consequences it has created in some cases.

“These acts do not portray the military as a noble and respectable profession; rather it creates negative publicity before the public that the military is supposed to serve and protect.

“The horsewhip is not part of the military uniform and will not be tolerated to be seen in the possession of anyone.”

“The usage of sirens by all categories of military personnel is banned except for the CDS and Service Chiefs, who in turn, may use it sparingly and when absolutely necessary.

“The use of horsewhips by any service personnel is banned and must not be seen in possession of anyone.”

The CDS has, therefore, directed the Service Chiefs to ensure strict compliance with the directive.

Jemitola said any officer and soldier not covered by the CDS directive and caught flouting the directive would be dealt with.



The CDS has equally directed the ejection of all miscreants in military barracks and bases across the country, and be handed over to the police without delay.

He said he had noted the rising wave of criminality in the barracks which was being perpetrated by miscreants

and jobless persons staying at the barracks, stating that there must be a stop to these.

source:the punch news papers