THE Defence Headquarters has vehemently denied claims by Amnesty International that at least 10,000 people have died in military custody since the Boko Haram conflict began in northeast Nigeria.
The international human rights organiSation’s Country Director, Isa Sanusi, made these allegations during a briefing in Maiduguri, accusing both Boko Haram and military personnel of numerous human rights abuses ¹.
Sanusi claimed that military personnel violated rules of engagement while carrying out their assignments in the region. He also expressed regret over the military’s denial of involvement in atrocities, despite being served with Amnesty’s report before its public release.
In response, the Defence Headquarters described Amnesty’s allegations as “spurious, shocking, and lacking in merit.” The military invited Amnesty International to substantiate its allegations, enabling the military to conduct an inquiry into the claims.
The Nigerian military maintained that it operates within the dictates of international humanitarian law and the laws of armed conflicts. The military emphasized its commitment to upholding global best practices, despite the complex and challenging operational environment in northeast Nigeria.
“The attention of the Defence Headquarters has been drawn to some spurious allegations made by Amnesty International during a press conference held on 5 Dec 24. It was alleged that, since the onset of Boko Haram insurgency in the North East of Nigeria (NE) over ten thousand civilians died in Nigerian Military detention facilities among other spurious allegations,” the Defence Headquarters in a statement by Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba said.
“The armed forces views the pronouncements by Amnesty International as shocking, lacking in merit as well as mischievous, particularly as it coming at this ending cycle stage of the counter terrorism war in the NE.
“Though the Armed Forces is not willing to join words with Amnesty International, it is of utmost necessity to set the records straight. The Nigerian military is a professional forces which conducts its operations within the dictates of 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. Additionally, whenever arrest are made , suspects are profiled, afterwhich the suspects are handed over to the appropriate agency for release or prosecution.
“As a deterence 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.
“On the whole, the armed forces invites Amnesty International to substantiate the details of the allegations. This will enable the military to conduct an inquiry in order to determine the authencity or otherwise of the made allegations.”