The National Human Rights Commission, (NHRC) has commended the Military for their unrelenting efforts to fight insurgency in Nigeria.
The Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Mr Tony Ojukwu gave the commendation at a two-day training tagged; “Mainstreaming Human Rights and Civilian Protection in Counter Insurgency Operations in the North East for the Military” held in Maiduguri, Borno State.
The training was conducted in collaboration with the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, UNHCR.
A statement which was signed by the Deputy Director Public Affairs of the NHRC, Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, said the Commission would continue to provide needed support to ensure Nigeria continues to win the war against insurgency.
“To sustain the gain made so far, the Commission will not rest on its oars in ensuring that the Military continues to mainstream human rights in their operations.”
Mr Ojukwu who was represented by the Director of Women and Children Department, Mr Harry Obe said international best practices must be adhered to at all times in counter-insurgency operations,
“Although many of the insurgents are laying their arms we need to manage the development with a lot of caution,” he stated.
He urged the Military to carry out profiling and investigation of Boko Haram insurgents in a professional manner, saying that there is need to carefully assess people surrendering to know those that are worthy of rehabilitation.
“It is important to consider justice for all sides, that is, victims, perpetrators and the society,” he added.
The Chief Civil-Military Coordinator Officer, Theatre Command, Operation Hadin Kai in the northeast, Navy Captain Sunday Bala Ayuba who led the team of Military at the training appreciated the Commission and its partners for organizing the training, saying it is like a refresher course for the participants.
“I urged the officers present to make the best use of the training opportunities to acquire the knowledge they can, and apply same where it relates to their operations,“ the Military Officer echoed.
Navy Captain Ayuba also said such training should be encouraged from time to time to create more understanding for the management and sustenance of peace with one voice especially in fragile Communities affected by the insurgency.
Topics like; Balance between National Security and Human Rights, Civil-Military Relations, Standard for Arrest and Detention in Situation of Armed Conflict, Human Rights Implication of Terrorism, Protection of Internally Displaced persons among others were presented at the training.
The statement also said that similar training will be organized in subsequent weeks for the Military in Adamawa and Yobe States.
A separate training will also be organized for Stakeholders and MDAs with Protection mandate.
PIAK
