ABUJA: The Defence Headquarters has dismissed claims made by Amnesty International that 10,000 individuals have died in military custody since the onset of the Boko Haram conflict in the northeast.
During a press briefing in Maiduguri, Amnesty International’s Country Director, Isa Sanusi, accused both Boko Haram and the Nigerian military of widespread human rights violations. He specifically highlighted that military personnel had breached rules of engagement while carrying out their operations in the region.
Sanusi expressed concern over the military’s denial of its involvement in such violations after they were presented with Amnesty’s report before its public release.
He revealed that Amnesty International had filed a case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, seeking justice for alleged crimes against humanity committed in the northeast.
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Sanusi’s report also highlighted Boko Haram’s attacks on schools, teachers, and students, aiming to prevent children from accessing what the group views as ‘Western’ education.
The report went on to outline various war crimes and violations of international humanitarian law attributed to Boko Haram, including murder, attacks on civilians, and the use of child soldiers. Amnesty International has called for investigations into these crimes, including enslavement, imprisonment, and forced marriage.
The report further accused the Nigerian military of committing war crimes in its efforts to combat Boko Haram, including attacks on civilians, extrajudicial executions, torture, and sexual violence. Amnesty believes that certain military personnel may have committed crimes against humanity, including murder, torture, and enforced disappearance.
In response, the Defence Headquarters issued a statement through Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, rejecting Amnesty’s accusations. The statement described the claims as “spurious, shocking, and lacking in merit,” particularly given the current phase of the counter-terrorism campaign in the region.
The Nigerian military maintains that it conducts its operations professionally and in line with international humanitarian law. It emphasized that any misconduct by military personnel is addressed through court-martials to ensure justice.
The Defence Headquarters invited Amnesty International to substantiate its allegations, so the military could investigate the claims and determine their validity.