The Defence Headquarters, Abuja, has
opened two military laboratories in the Federal Capital Territory,
Abuja, and Lagos State to facilitate coronavirus tests.
The DHQ Defence Media Operations, on
Friday, identified the laboratories as the Defence Reference Laboratory,
Abuja; and the Nigerian Air Force Reference Laboratory in Lagos.
The Defence Media Operations
Coordinator, Maj Gen John Enenche, who stated this at a press conference
in Abuja, added that the military would apply the “minimum necessary
force” to enforce the lockdown in Abuja, Lagos and Ogun states.
Enenche added, “In line with the effort
of the Nigerian military along with other ministries, departments and
agencies of the Federal Government to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, the
six geopolitical zones have been covered by our 21 designated isolation
centres.
“Further to this, the 80 trained medical
personnel are already deployed in our formations for engagement. In
addition, personal protective equipment has been provided. The highpoint
of our preparation is the provision of two military laboratories to
carry out tests for coronavirus. These are the Defence Reference
Laboratory in Abuja and the NAF Reference Laboratory in Lagos.
“Hence, the high command of the armed
forces of Nigeria hereby encourages the public to strive to abide by the
guidelines provided by the government on preventive measures against
contracting the coronavirus; key among which is the instruction on
lockdown given by the federal and various state governments. This will
ensure that appropriate actions are taken by the relevant agencies to
identify and manage cases promptly in order to prevent community
transmission.”
Enenche added that there could be
increased military presence to enforce the lockdown, saying the military
would, however, use minimal force.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria are to
provide the minimum necessary force to support the Nigeria Police Force
and other security agencies to checkmate the nefarious activities of
criminals wanting to take advantage of patriotic and loyal citizens, who
are observing the lockdown directive. Consequently, all
criminally-minded individuals are hereby warned to desist from
disturbing the peace of other citizens of the country. Otherwise, they
will be tackled appropriately in line with the principles of Internal
Security Operations and Rules of Engagement, in order to ensure the
security of lives and property of peace-loving Nigerians,” the
coordinator said.
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