…dares them to bring evidential proof
By Victor Akaa.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has vehemently denied allegations made by Amnesty International that over 10,000 civilians have died in military detention facilities since the onset of the Boko Haram insurgency in the North East.
According to Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, the allegations are “shocking, lacking in merit, and mischievous.”
The military views these claims as an attempt to discredit their efforts in the counter-terrorism war in the North East.
Enugu Reporters reports that Amnesty International, in their spurious allegations, said during a press conference on 5 December 2024 that, since the beginning of Boko Haram insurgents in the North East, over ten thousand civilians died in the military detention facilities, among other claims.
This has not gone down well with the military, as its efforts in the fight against terrorism are being discredited.
The Nigerian military has assured that it conducts its operations by international humanitarian law and the laws of armed conflicts.
“Though the operational environment has been complex and challenging, troop have painstakingly abide by the rules of engagement to extensively avoided civilian casualties in whatever shape or form.
“As a deterrence to unethical conducts, there are standing court martials within the operational theatres to ensure justice is immediately administered to any erring personnel during operations.
“Overall, It is necessary to reiterate that the armed forces under the able leadership of the CDS, General Christopher Musa, remains professional in carrying out its constitutional mandates in line with global best practices.” the statement read in parts.
The military has also emphasized its commitment to avoiding civilian casualties and ensuring that suspects are profiled and handed over to the appropriate agencies for release or prosecution.
Furthermore, the military has invited Amnesty International to provide evidence to substantiate their allegations, which would enable the military to conduct an inquiry and determine the authenticity of the claims.
It is worth noting that this is not the first time Amnesty International has made allegations against the Nigerian military. In 2017/2018, Amnesty International reported on various human rights abuses, including extrajudicial executions, enforced disappearances, and torture, which were allegedly committed by the Nigerian military.
