Army Operation Positive Identification, a Recipe to Militarilisation of Nigeria, Says Elumelu

Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Ndudi Elumelu, has condemned the planned nationwide implementation of Operation Positive Identification (OPI) by the Nigeria Army, describing it as a recipe to possible militarilisation of Nigeria.

Elumelu, in a statement on Monday, said the planned operation if allowed would downgrade innocent Nigerians to suspects and conquered people in their own country.

He also noted that the planned operation would strip them of their constitutionally guaranteed

freedom of movement and instill fear, anxiety and panic in the entire polity.

The minority leader was of the opinion that such plan by the army would also lead to the infringement on fundamental rights of Nigerians, as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution as amended.

Elumelu noted that the nationwide operation would amount to an indirect imposition of a state of emergency across the country by the Army.

According to him, “Many Nigerians, particularly those living in the rural areas would be victimised as there has not been enough public sensitisation for such security operation.

“Though the nation is faced with serious security challenges, I appreciate the efforts by security agencies to safeguard lives. However, the planned implementation of OPI across the nation would worsen the situation in the country.

“The Army and all security forces should rather develop more pro-people strategies in combating our security challenges instead of measure that could further victimise the people.”

He called on President Muhammadu Buhari as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces to review the planned commencement of nationwide execution of the OPI by the military on November 1, so as to create room for further consultations.

Elumelu said such military operations that involved direct contact and regulating of civilians could result in abuses and serious safety issues, especially at this time the nation is battling with the scourge of victimisation and extrajudicial killings.

The lawmaker urged the Army to concentrate on its constitutional role of defending the territorial integrity of the country and allow the police and other relevant agencies such as the Nigerian Immigration Services (NIS) to handle regulatory issues relating to internal security.