Nigeria, April 3 -- The Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, said contrary to criticisms by lawyers and activists,the military's declaration was not illegal.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that suspected residents of Okuama Community in Delta State, on 14 March, ambushed and murdered the Commanding Officer of 181 Army Amphibious Battalion, two majors, one captain and 13 soldiers.

The troops were attacked while responding to a distress call arising from a clash between Okuama and Okoloba communities in the southern Nigerian state, the military said.

In response, the Defence Headquarters, on Thursday, declared eight suspects wanted over the murder of the army personnel.

Some Nigerian lawyers faulted the declaration and noted that the polic...