By Victor Akaa.
The Defence Headquarters has responded to allegations made by Amnesty International in its recent report, during a conference launched on June 10, 2024 in Abuja. The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) categorically denies the allegations and reaffirms its commitment to upholding international humanitarian law and human rights principles.
Major General Edward Buba, Director Defence Media Operations disclosed this in a statement on Monday, rebutting the report, accusing the military of abusing women and children stating that “dozens of women and young girls have been unlawfully detained and abused in Nigerian military detention facilities after escaping captivity by Boko Haram extremists in the country’s northeast.”
“Some of the women were detained with their children for years because of their real or perceived association with the extremists, the report said. It cited 126 interviews, mostly with survivors, over the 14 years since the Islamic extremists launched their insurgency,” the report claimed.
General Buba refuted the claims, noting that the AFN operates within the bounds of the law of armed conflict and has a robust military justice system to address any proven cases of misconduct.
“Accordingly, the AFN is hereby making it unequivocally clear that, it is a professional force that operates within the ambit of international law of armed conflict as well as adheres to the humanitarian law and principles governing human rights.”
He said the military encourages organizations like Amnesty International to substantiate their allegations through established channels, rather than resorting to public statements.
“ It is for this reason that, there are standing court martials to treat any form of misbehaviour by erring personnel especially those that portray the military negatively to the general populace.” he added.
According to him, under the leadership of General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, the AFN has a zero-tolerance policy for indiscipline and improper conduct. Standing court martials are in place to address any form of misbehavior by erring personnel, ensuring that the military maintains its professionalism and integrity.
General Buba noted that the military remains focused on its objective of defeating terrorism and will not be deterred by self-serving statements aimed at dampening the morale of troops in operational theatres.
He said the AFN will engage constructively with Amnesty International and continue to conduct operations diligently to protect the nation.
