Amnesty International’s Claims Of Extrajudicial Killings, Rape, Others Mischievous -Nigerian Military
By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
The Defence Headquarters has challenged global human rights body, Amnesty International to substantiate its claims 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.
Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj Gen Edward Buba, in a statement on Friday, described the allegations as “spurious, shocking, lacking in merit as well as mischievous, particularly as it is coming at this ending cycle stage of the counter terrorism war in the NE”.
During a press conference on Thursday, Amnesty International’s Country Director, Isa Sanusi, announced that the organisation has filed a case with the International Court of Justice in The Hague, alleging crimes against humanity in the region.
“The Nigerian military has frequently treated anyone from areas controlled by Boko Haram as suspected members of the group,” Sanusi stated.
He highlighted documented war crimes by government forces, including attacks on civilians, extrajudicial executions, torture, rape, and enforced disappearances.
The DHQ held that in spite of the challenging and complex operational environment troops have to deal with, they have painstakingly abided by the rules of engagement to extensively avoid civilian casualties in whatever shape or form.
Whenever arrest are made, Buba said, suspects are profiled, after which they are handed over to the appropriate agency for release or prosecution.
“As a deterrent to unethical conducts, there are standing court martials within the operational theatres to ensure justice is immediately administered to any erring personnel during operations”.
He averred 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.
Buba invited Amnesty International to substantiate the details of the allegations, as it “will enable the military to conduct an inquiry in order to determine the authenticity or otherwise of the allegations made.
