Nigeria’s military dismisses Amnesty International’s claim on the death of 10,000 civilians in detention as mischievous
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has described the claim by Amnesty International that over 10,000 civilians died in military detention as mischievous.
The rights watchdog had earlier on Friday said at least 10,000 people have died in military custody since the onset of the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East.
The Amnesty Country Director in Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, who addressed journalists at a media briefing in Maiduguri, Borno State, also accused the Boko Haram insurgents and Nigerian military of committing widespread abuses, including violations of international humanitarian laws.
However, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, in a statement in Abuja, said Amnesty International made spurious allegations during a news conference.
He said: “The armed forces view the pronouncements by Amnesty International as 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.
“Though the Armed Forces are not willing to join words with Amnesty International, it is of utmost necessity to set the records straight.
“The Nigerian military is a professional force that 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, troops have painstakingly abided by the rules of engagement to extensively avoid civilian casualties in whatever shape or form.
“Additionally, whenever arrests are made, suspects are profiled, after which the suspects are handed over to the appropriate agency for release or prosecution.”
“On the whole, the armed forces invite Amnesty International to substantiate the details of the allegations.
“This will enable the military to conduct an inquiry to determine the authenticity or otherwise of the allegations.”
Nigeria’s military dismisses Amnesty International’s claim on the death of 10,000 civilians in detention as mischievous
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has described the claim by Amnesty International that over 10,000 civilians died in military detention as mischievous.
The rights watchdog had earlier on Friday said at least 10,000 people have died in military custody since the onset of the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East.
The Amnesty Country Director in Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, who addressed journalists at a media briefing in Maiduguri, Borno State, also accused the Boko Haram insurgents and Nigerian military of committing widespread abuses, including violations of international humanitarian laws.
However, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, in a statement in Abuja, said Amnesty International made spurious allegations during a news conference.
He said: “The armed forces view the pronouncements by Amnesty International as 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.
“Though the Armed Forces are not willing to join words with Amnesty International, it is of utmost necessity to set the records straight.
“The Nigerian military is a professional force that 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, troops have painstakingly abided by the rules of engagement to extensively avoid civilian casualties in whatever shape or form.
“Additionally, whenever arrests are made, suspects are profiled, after which the suspects are handed over to the appropriate agency for release or prosecution.”
“On the whole, the armed forces invite Amnesty International to substantiate the details of the allegations.
“This will enable the military to conduct an inquiry to determine the authenticity or otherwise of the allegations.”
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