The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has invited Amnesty
International to prove allegations made against the military that civilians
were tortured in the north-east.
Amnesty International alleged that over 10,000 people have
died in military custody since the beginning of the Boko Haram insurgency in
the north-east.
Isa Sanusi, Amnesty International’s Nigerian country
director, said on Thursday during a press conference that the organisation had
filed a case with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague,
alleging crimes against humanity in the north-east
However, in a statement, Edward Buba, director of defence
media operations, described the allegations as mischievous, noting that “the
army does not keep detainees beyond a timeframe of necessary and thorough
profiling”.
Buba added that suspects are handed over to the appropriate
agency for either release or prosecution after investigations.
“The attention of the Defence Headquarters has been drawn to
some spurious allegations made by Amnesty International during a press
conference held on 5 Dec 24,” the statement reads.
“It was alleged that, since the onset of Boko Haram
insurgency in the North East of Nigeria (NE), over ten thousand civilians died
in Nigerian military detention facilities, among other spurious allegations.
“The armed forces view 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 counterterrorism
war in the NE.
“Though the operational environment has been complex and
challenging, troops have painstakingly abided by the rules of engagement to
extensively avoid civilian casualties in whatever shape or form.
“Additionally, whenever arrests are made, suspects are
profiled, after which the suspects are handed over to the appropriate agency
for release or prosecution.
“As a deterrence to unethical conducts, there are standing
court martials within the operational theatres to ensure justice is immediately
administered to any erring personnel during operations.
“Overall, it is necessary to reiterate that the armed forces
under the able leadership of the CDS, General Christopher Musa, remains
professional in carrying out its constitutional mandates in line with global
best practices.
“On the whole, the armed forces invite 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 said the organisation’s invitation was intended to
enable the military to investigate the authenticity or falsity of their
allegations.
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