- The Nigerian military invites Amnesty International to provide evidence for its claim that 10,000 civilians died in military custody
- Military officials describe Amnesty’s allegations as shocking and lacking merit, reaffirming their commitment to professionalism and adherence to humanitarian laws
The Nigerian military high command has invited Amnesty International to present evidence supporting its allegations that 10,000 civilians died in military custody during the Boko Haram insurgency.
The military described the international human rights organization’s claims as “malicious, shocking, lacking in merit, and mischievous.”
Amnesty International reportedly accused the armed forces during a press briefing in Maiduguri of sending civilians to an early grave while in detention.
In response, Major-General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, issued a statement stressing that the armed forces operate professionally and adhere to international humanitarian laws and rules of engagement.
He emphasized that the military has systems to handle arrests, including profiling suspects and transferring them to appropriate agencies for prosecution or release.
Buba stated that the military is open to inquiry if Amnesty International provides substantial evidence to back its allegations. The statement reads:
“The Armed Forces view the pronouncements by Amnesty International as shocking, lacking in merit, and mischievous. The Nigerian military is a professional force that conducts operations within the dictates of international humanitarian law and 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. Whenever arrests are made, suspects are profiled and handed over to the appropriate agency for release or prosecution.”
He further mentioned that there are mechanisms, such as court-martials, to address any unethical conduct by personnel during operations.
The military reiterated its commitment to professionalism under General Christopher Musa and urged Amnesty International to substantiate its allegations for a transparent investigation.