By Harriet Tornguvan -Abuja
The Director of Defence Media Operations, General Edward Buba, has refuted allegations made by Amnesty International, describing them as baseless and misleading.
The Defence Headquarters issued a statement addressing claims presented during Amnesty International’s press conference on December 5, 2024, which alleged that over 10,000 civilians have died in Nigerian military detention facilities since the onset of the Boko Haram insurgency in the North East.
The Defence Headquarters expressed shock over the allegations, categorizing them as unfounded and malicious. They noted that these claims come at a critical phase of the counter-terrorism operations in the North East and appear to undermine the progress made in combating insurgency.
While the Armed Forces of Nigeria refrained from engaging in a prolonged exchange with Amnesty International, they emphasized the importance of clarifying the record.
"The Nigerian military operates within the framework of international humanitarian law and the principles of armed conflict.
"Despite the complexities and challenges of the operational environment, troops have adhered strictly to the rules of engagement, making concerted efforts to avoid civilian casualties.
The statement highlighted that, upon arrest, suspects undergo thorough profiling before being handed over to the appropriate authorities for prosecution or release. To deter misconduct, operational theaters are equipped with standing court-martials to promptly address any unethical behavior by personnel.
"This underscores the military’s commitment to upholding justice and professionalism under the leadership of General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff.
The Armed Forces called on Amnesty International to provide concrete evidence to support its claims. Such evidence, they stated, would enable the military to conduct a thorough investigation to verify the authenticity of the allegations.
General Buba stated that, the Defence Headquarters reaffirmed its dedication to carrying out its constitutional mandate in line with global best practices, underscoring the professionalism and integrity of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
