- The Nigerian military dismissed Amnesty International’s report on abuses as self-serving and aimed at lowering troop morale
- Major-General Edward Buba emphasized the military’s adherence to international laws and mechanisms for addressing misconduct
The military high command has responded to Amnesty International’s recent report, which accused the Nigerian Armed Forces of violating international laws of armed conflict. Amnesty International’s report, titled ‘Help us build our lives: Girl survivors of Boko Haram and military abuses in north-east Nigeria,’ detailed the struggles of Boko Haram victims in the North East, particularly focusing on how girls who escaped Boko Haram were “reunited” with their surrendered “husbands” in government facilities.
Major-General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, dismissed Amnesty International’s findings and comments as self-serving and aimed at lowering the morale of troops in operational areas. He asserted that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) would remain focused on their objectives and would not be deterred by such comments.
Buba stated, “The Armed Forces of Nigeria will remain focused on its objective. We will be unperturbed by such self-serving statements targeted at dampening troops’ morale in operational theatres.” He emphasized that the military would engage constructively with the organization when possible and continue conducting operations to defeat terrorism.
Highlighting the professionalism of the AFN, Buba mentioned that the military operates within the international laws of armed conflict and adheres to humanitarian principles governing human rights. He noted that the military has mechanisms to administer justice and address any proven misconduct cases among its personnel. Major-General Buba also pointed out that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has zero tolerance for indiscipline and improper conduct, with standing court martials to handle any misbehaviour by military personnel.