December 06, (THEWILL) – The Defence Headquarters has called on Amnesty International to substantiate its allegations that 10,000 people have died in military detention facilities in Nigeria since the Boko Haram conflict began.
The international rights group, through its Country Director, Isa Sanusi, accused the Nigerian Army of violating rules of engagement and detaining individuals under harsh conditions, resulting in mass deaths.
Reacting to the claims, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, described the allegations as “shocking, unsubstantiated, and mischievous.”
He noted that such accusations come at a critical juncture as the military winds down its counterterrorism operations in the North-East.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria is a professional force that operates within the framework of international humanitarian law and the laws of armed conflict,” Buba stated.
He added that, despite the complexity of the operational environment, troops consistently adhere to rules of engagement to minimize civilian casualties.
Buba further explained that suspects detained during operations are subjected to thorough profiling before being handed over to appropriate agencies for prosecution or release.
He emphasised the military’s internal mechanisms for accountability, which include standing court-martials to address any unethical behavior by personnel.
“Under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, the Armed Forces remain committed to global best practices in fulfilling its constitutional mandate,” Buba affirmed.
The DHQ challenged Amnesty International to present evidence to back its claims, assuring that the military would conduct a thorough investigation to verify the authenticity of the allegations.
This development comes amidst ongoing scrutiny of military operations in Nigeria, with local and international observers calling for increased transparency and adherence to human rights standards.
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