DHQ debunks death of over 10,000 civilians in military detention

The Military High Command, on Friday, dismissed the claim by Amnesty International that, since the onset of Boko Haram insurgency in the North East of Nigeria over 10000 civilians died in Nigerian Military detention facilities among other spurious allegations.

This was contained in a statement made available to Defence Correspondents in Abuja by the Director of Defence Media Operations Major Gen Edward Buba.

It declared that ” the armed forces view 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.

The DHQ however challenged Amnesty International to substantiate the details of the allegations saying that this would enable the military to conduct an inquiry to determine the authenticity or otherwise of the made allegations.

The statement reads, “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. 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 comes at this ending cycle stage of the counter-terrorism war in the North-East.

“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 that conducts its operations within the dictates of international humanitarian law and the laws of armed conflicts.

“Though the operational environment has been complex and challenging, troops have painstakingly abide 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, 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.