The Nigerian Army says it is taking the matters of Human Rights abuses and Civilian protection in conflict areas more seriously to Strengthen the non-kinetic approaches to military operations
To drive the conversation that would further bridge the gap between the military and the civil populace, the Nigerian Army Department of Civil Military Affairs organised a maiden Seminar on Human Rights with the theme: National Security and the Complexities of Human Rights.
While declaring the maiden edition of the Seminar Open at the Army Headquarters Command Officers Mess in Abuja, the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja reiterated that the Nigerian Army is trained to conduct operations in line with humanitarian laws and authorised rules of engagement.
General Lagbaja who was represented by the Chief of Administration Army, Major General Jimmy Akpor, said securing a country within the ambit of the contemporary security environment involves harnessing the efforts of citizens in a whole of the nation approach.
He further stated that because operations are conducted within civilian populated areas, the deployments of military involve kinetic and non-kinetic approaches that require collaboration between security agencies and all well-meaning individuals and organisations,
“The Nigerian Army Human Rights Seminar was conceptualised to engage organizations, security agencies, media and other stakeholders involved in human rights advocacy and the protection of civilians in conflict areas on the issues relating to human rights during conflicts. The protection of civilians and their basic rights requires special attention as it takes up a lot of field commanders’ time.
“This aspect of warfare and conflict management requires the harnessing of the potentials of other actors within the multi-dimensional operating environment. Hence, the articulation of my Command Philosophy seeks; “To Transform the Nigerian Army into a Well-Trained, Equipped and Highly Motivated Force Achieving our Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint Environment”. The joint environment in this context includes all actors in the theatres of operation including Non-Governmental Organizations and Human Rights groups,” said COAS.
The Chief of Civil Military Affairs Major General Nosakhare Ugbo said the Nigerian army and human rights groups share the goal of protecting innocent civilians in operational areas especially their rights to life.
He pointed out that the massive deployment of troops for operations within and among the civil populace has opened a new prospect on human rights issues requiring a new approach.
“The Nigerian Army as a professional force created by law for the defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has always emphasized training on International Humanitarian Law and the Law of Armed Conflict. Thus this Seminar is one of the means of dealing with human rights issues arising within the contemporary operating environment.
“The Seminar will expose participants to the values and perspectives of organizations engaged in human rights advocacy and the protection of civilians in conflict areas. It will also expose us all to the values and perspectives of the Nigerian Army as well as other security agencies engaged in the conduct of operations for the defence and protection of civilians while upholding human rights,” stated General Ugbo.
The Chairman National Human Rights Commission, Mr. Tony Ojukwu who was represented by the Deputy Director of Legal of the National Human Rights Commission, Mr. Kabir Aliyu said the seminar aims to strengthen national security because insecurity has led to widespread violations of human rights.
This according to him has created Impacts such as displacements leading to poverty, sexual violence and lack of justice. He said the Commission has established a strong link with the Military which has enhanced the protection and promotion of human rights in its operations.
