Operational Code of Conduct for the Nigerian Army July 1967

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DIRECTIVE TO ALL OFFICERS AND
MEN OF THE ARMED FORCES OF
THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF
NIGERIA ON CONDUCT OF
MILITARY OPERATIONS

As your Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic
of Nigeria, I demand form all officers and men the two most important
qualities of a fighting soldier- loyalty and discipline. Nigerian
Armed Forces, especially the Army, have established a very high
international reputation for high discipline and fighting efficiency
since their establishment until the events of 15th January, 1966
spoilt that reputation. Since then it has become most necessary to
demand the highest sense of discipline and patriotism amongst all
ranks of the Armed Forces. Success in battle depends to a large
extent on this - discipline and loyalty of the officers and men and
their sense of patriotism. 2. You are all aware of the rebellion of
Lt.-Col. C. Odumegwu-Ojukwu of the East Central State and his clique
against the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In view of
this defiance of authority, it has become inescapable to use the force
necessary to crush this rebellion. The hardcore of the rebels are
Ibos. The officers and men of the minority areas (Calabar, Ogoja and
Rivers and even some Ibos) do not support the rebellious acts of
Lt.-Col. C. Odumegqu-Ojukwu. During the operations of Federal
Government troops against the rebel troops many soldiers and civilians
will surrender. You should treat them fairly and decently in
accordance with these instructions. 3. You must all bear in mind at
all times that other nations in Africa and the rest of the world are
looking at us to see how well we can perform this task which the
nation demands of us. You must also remember that you are not
fighting a war with a foreign enemy. Nor are you fighting a religious
war or Jihad. You are only subduing the rebellion that will endanger
the future unity of the country. We are in honor bound to observe the
rules of the Geneva Convention in whatever action you will be taking
against the rebel Lt.-Col. Odumegqu-Ojukwu and his clique. 4. I direct
all officers and men to observe strictly the following rules during
operations. (These instructions must be read in conjunction with the
Geneva Convention): a. Under no circumstances should pregnant women be
ill-treated or killed. b. Children must not be molested or killed.
They will be protected and cared for. c. Youths and school children
must not be attacked unless they are engaged in open hostility against
Federal Government Forces. They should be given all protection and
care. d. Hospitals, hospital staff and patients should not be tampered
with or molested. e. Soldiers who surrender will not be killed. They
are to be disarmed and treated as prisoners of war. They are entitled
in all circumstances to humane treatment and respect for their person
and their honor. f. No property, building, etc. will be destroyed
maliciously. g. Churches and Mosques must not be desecrated. h. No
looting of any kind. (A good soldier will never loot). i. Women will
be protected against any attack on their person, honor and in
particular against rape or any form of indecent assault. j. Male
civilians who are hostile to the Federal Forces are to be dealt with
firmly but fairly. They must be humanely treated. k. All military and
civilians wounded will be given necessary medical attention and care.
They must be respected and protected in all circumstances. l. Foreign
nationals on legitimate business will not be molested, but mercenaries
will not be spared: they are the worst of enemies. 5. To be
successful in our tasks as soldiers these rules must be carefully
observed. I will not be proud of any member of the Armed Forces under
my command who fails to observe them. He does not deserve any
sympathy or mercy and will be dealt with ruthlessly. You will fight a
clean fight, and honorable fight in defense of the territorial
integrity of your nation - Nigeria. 6. You must remember that some of
the soldiers Lt.-Col. Ojukwu has now forced to oppose you were once
your old comrades at arms and would like to remain so. You must
therefore treat them with respect and dignity except any one who is
hostile to you. Good Luck.

Major-General Yakubu Gowon,
Head of the Federal Military Government,
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
Of the Federal Republic of Nigeria

Note - To be read and fully explained to every member of the Armed
Forces. Sufficient copies will be made available to all members of
the Armed Forces and Police. It will be carried by all troops at all
times.