BY KINGSLEY OMONOBI

ABUJA –  The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Azubuike Ihejirika, yesterday vowed that terrorists apprehended with explosives for sinister motives or offensive weapon with intention to cause dangers to lives and property would be prosecuted in accordance with the anti-terrorism law.

“We are happy that currently, the anti-Terrorism Act, which makes it an offence for any one engaging in terrorist acts as kidnapping, throwing of bombs and other life threatening activities, is in place.
“The days when people were apprehended for unpatriotic terrorist act and nothing happened are over. So, no matter the connection, anybody caught for terrorist act will face the law as stipulated by the Anti-terrorism Act,” he said.

Gen Ihejirika, who spoke during the Inter-denominational church service to mark this year’s Nigeria Army Day celebration at  All Saint’s Military Protestant Church, Mogadishu Cantonment, commended National Assembly for the Act, describing its passage as a major achievement towards encouraging security agencies to be more serious and committed to their jobs.

He regretted that previously, there had been cases during which saboteurs, kidnappers and other persons had been arrested for these acts and were released under one excuse or the other because the law had not provided adjudication on such issues.

Reiterating the Army’s readiness to tackle security challenges in the nation, the COAS said:  “As soldiers, we have got all it takes to do our job. We have got good salaries, good welfare, and good motivation.

“Now, the Anti-terrorist Act has made it possible for terrorism-related offenders to be apprehended and dealt with. The days when such persons get away easily because there was no law to mete out punishment  are gone.”