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The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has urged Amnesty International to substantiate its claims that the Nigerian military committed crimes against humanity in the North-East.
Amnesty International recently alleged that over 10,000 individuals have died in military custody since the Boko Haram insurgency began.
The organisation’s Country Director, Isa Sanusi, revealed during a Thursday press conference that the allegations have been filed with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague.
Responding on Friday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Buba Edward, dismissed the accusations, describing them as baseless and mischievous.
He emphasised that the Nigerian military operates professionally and in strict adherence to international humanitarian laws.
Buba clarified that arrested individuals are thoroughly profiled before being handed over to relevant agencies for prosecution or release.
He stressed that troops operate under strict rules of engagement to avoid civilian casualties despite the challenging and complex environment.
Furthermore, standing court-martials are in place to ensure swift justice for any personnel found guilty of misconduct during operations.
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, after which the suspects are handed over to the appropriate agency for release or prosecution.”
Under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, the military remains committed to its constitutional duties, aligning its operations with global best practices, Buba added.
DHQ invited Amnesty International to provide detailed evidence of their allegations to enable a thorough investigation.
“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 authenticity or otherwise of the made allegations,” Buba concluded.
