ACCOMPLISH MAGAZINE APRIL 2024

FEATURE / ANALYSIS
sectional, economic or personal
interest? This underscores the need
for greater accountability and
adherence to ethical norms.
Conclusion
The application of military ethics
to Nigerian citizens is fraught with
challenges, double standards and
contradictions. While the principles of
respect for human dignity, integrity,
protection of non-combatants, and
ethical decision-making offer a
framework for ethical conduct, their
realisation remains elusive in many
instances. To truly honour the ethical
obligations owed to Nigerian citizens,
there must be a concerted effort to
address systemic issues of injustice,
corruption, impunity, and lack of
accountability within the military.
Only through genuine commitment
to upholding these ethical standards,
fostering transparency, and
respecting the rights and dignity of all
citizens can the Nigerian military fulfill
its duty to serve with honour, integrity,
and justice.
robust mechanisms to ensure
transparency and hold perpetrators
accountable, the ethical standards
upheld by military ethics remain
hollow promises to Nigerian citizens.
Protection of Non-Combatants
(Civilians)
The protection of civilians is a central
tenet of military ethics, enshrined
in international humanitarian law.
Sadly however, civilian casualties
resulting from military operations
have become distressingly common
in Nigeria. Conflict zones witness
the tragic toll of violence, often with
civilians bearing the brunt of military
actions. The recent killings by the
military at Okuama in Delta State,
justified by military apologists as
act of loyalty to fallen colleagues,
stand out as gross violation of
military ethics taken too far. Women,
children and the elderly were not
spared. The failure to adequately
safeguard non-combatants not only
violates ethical standards but also
perpetuates cycles of suffering and
mistrust among Nigerian citizens.
The point must be made that the
killing of 16 Nigerian soldiers is very
unjustifiable and callous but does the
all-out reprisal killings of unarmed
civilians and the razing of Okuama
instead of fishing out the perpetrators
of that dastardly act for justice match
international standards of military
ethics?
Ethical Decision Making
Ethical decision-making is imperative
for military leaders, especially in
complex and high-pressure situations
that have become inevitably
prevalent in Nigeria. Political problems
are addressed with sledge-hammer
military action. Yet, concerns persist
regarding the transparency and
ethical rigour of decision-making
processes within the Nigerian
military. Political interference, lack
of consultation, and skewed or
opaque decision-making often cloud
the judgment of military leaders,
compromising the ethical integrity
of their actions. This raises questions
about whose interests are prioritised
in military decisions: ethnic interest,
VICTOR
OLEWUNNE
AUTHOR’S BIO
Victor Olewunne, the Ethicist,
is a public affairs analyst and
Founder, African Foundation for
Ethics and Social Responsibility.
www.theaccomplishmagazine.com
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