A Nigerian soldier has appealed to fellow military personnel and other security operatives not to use force against peaceful protesters, urging them to respect citizens’ constitutional rights to demonstrate.
In a video circulating online, the soldier called on security agencies to exercise restraint and avoid firing tear gas or live ammunition at unarmed demonstrators.
Addressing his colleagues, he said, “To my fellow Nigerian soldiers and security personnel, please do not shoot at or fire tear gas on peaceful protesters. Let them exercise their civil rights. Even if an order is given, use your judgment.”
The soldier also appealed to the conscience of security operatives, asking them to imagine how they would feel if their own family members were victims of kidnapping and insecurity.
“How would you feel if your child, wife, mother, father, or relative was one of the kidnapping victims in the bush? Would you still remain silent?” he asked.
