The Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Magashi (rtd) says the Nigerian troops are guided by the extant laws of the land as enshrined in the Constitution and international rules of engagements as well as Acts and laws.
The Minister debunked reported cases of Human Rights’ violations levelled against Nigeria by the International Community on the account of the modus operandi of the fighting forces in the on-going Counter Terrorism Operations in the North East.
General Magashi refuted this allegation when the United States Acting Ambassador to Nigeria, Kathleen Gibbon visited the Ship House Ministry of Defence Headquarters Abuja.
General Magashi told the US Acting Ambassador that the Nigerian President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Muhammadu Buhari is a stickler to the domestic and International laws that forbids abuses of Human Rights.
He emphatically stated that “the Nigerian Military would not renege on its vowed compliance to the rule of law in a democratic environment and the Military’s commitment to defending the National interest no matter whose horse is gored.”
The Defence Minister however thanked the US Africa Command, AFRICOM and the US Office of the Defence Cooperation for the delivery of the NAF Super Tulcano aircraft and the training of NAF Pilots and engineers.
The US Acting Ambassador to Nigeria, Kathleen Gibbon pledged continued support for Nigeria, saying “the remaining six Super Tulcano would arrive the country by September.”
Gibbon appreciated the progress Nigeria has made in fighting insurgency and the nation’s compliance with Protocols.
He also appreciated the Minister for the audience and the agreed plan to reconvene another meeting soonest to consider various documents before the Ministry of Defence.
Gibbon said “the documents would touch the way forward for the promotions of Human Rights and Child Protection Act among other areas of common concerns to the two Countries.”
Lateefah Ibrahim
