DHQ Rejects Amnesty International’s Claims Of 10,000 Deaths

By Martha Obi

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The Defence Headquarters has noted the allegations presented by Amnesty International, which assert that more than ten thousand civilians have perished in Nigerian military detention facilities, among other claims.

In a formal statement, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, addressed allegations made during a press conference on December 5, 2024.

General Buba stated that claims have emerged regarding the number of Nigerians who have reportedly lost their lives while in military detention since the emergence of the Boko Haram insurgency in the North East region of Nigeria.

He added that “the Armed Forces views the pronouncements by Amnesty International as shocking, lacking in merit as well as mischievous, particularly as it comes at this ending cycle stage of the counter-terrorism war in the North East.  

He noted that though the Armed Forces are not willing to join words with Amnesty International, it is of utmost necessity to set the records straight. 

“The Nigerian military is a professional force which conducts its operations within the dictates of international humanitarian law and the laws of armed conflicts,”  he added.

According to him, 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. 

“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, remain 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 to determine the authenticity or otherwise of the made allegations,” General Buba stated.

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