The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, Wednesday said military justice is pivotal for the protection of the rights of personnel engaged in high-risk operations.
The CDS also said it helps in enforcing discipline and professionalism in the military.
General Musa stated this at the unveiling of a book titled: “Justice in the Nigerian Armed Forces: Law and Practice”, written by retired Colonel Ukpe Ukpe (SAN) in Abuja.
“As the Chief of Defence Staff, I am aware that a strong and effective military is built not only on its operational capabilities but also on the unwavering commitment to the rule of law and the fair administration of justice,” he said.
The CDS described the book as “timely and relevant in an era where transparency, accountability and adherence to human rights are paramount considerations for any modern military.”
According to him, it serves as a crucial resource for understanding the intricate legal framework governing our service personnel’s conduct, from the lowest ranks to the highest echelons of command.
He said: “This work delves into the foundational principles of military justice, exploring the various statutes, regulations, and conventions that underpin its operation in Nigeria.
“It provides a practical guide for both legal practitioners and non-legal personnel within the military.”
According to him, such a detailed exposition is invaluable for ensuring that justice is not only done but is also seen to be done, thereby fostering trust and confidence within the ranks and among the civilian populace.
“Most importantly, it would improve discipline in a system like ours, which is founded on strict principles.
“The book moves beyond theoretical constructs to address the real-world application of military justice, including aspects of investigations, court-martial proceedings, and the implementation of disciplinary measures.
“This practical orientation will undoubtedly equip officers and soldiers with a clearer understanding of their rights and responsibilities, contributing to a more just and equitable environment,” he said.
Earlier in his remarks, the author, retired Col. Ukpe Ukpe, said the book was borne out of his decades of active involvement in the administration of military justice across the Nigerian Army, Navy and Air Force.
Ukpe said the work sought to bridge critical gaps in the system, adding that reforms were urgently needed to strengthen fairness, uniformity and accountability.
According to him, there is no better moment for reform of the Nigerian military justice system than now, under the leadership of the present CDS and the Service Chiefs.
He explained that the book would serve as a reference for military lawyers, commanders, civilian lawyers handling court-martial cases, appellate judges, and students in defence institutions.
Ukpe also cautioned against reliance on outdated legal frameworks such as the Manual of Military Law 1972, saying Nigeria needed a harmonized, modern rulebook similar to the British Manual of Court Martial, last updated in 2024.
“Our fragmented approach undermines fairness, uniformity and certainty.
“I strongly recommend a comprehensive review and harmonization of our Rules of Procedure in line with the Harmonized Armed Forces Act 2024 and the Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service recently assented to by the President,” he said.
Ukpe further urged military legal officers to see court-martial participation as a national duty, stressing that performance reports should reflect such contributions as part of promotions and appointments.
“This book is my modest contribution to an institution I proudly served for decades. My hope is that it will inspire reform, strengthen justice, and uphold fairness in the Nigerian Armed Forces,” he said.