By Kolawole Ojebisi
The Nigeria Defence Headquarters has asked Amnesty International, an international human rights organisation, to substantiate its allegation of disregard for sanctity of human life, particularly, the civilians in the course of its operations.
Amnesty International had accused the military of committing crimes against humanity in the North-East.
The organisation alleged that over 10,000 people have died in military custody since the onset of the Boko Haram insurgency in the region.
During a press conference on Thursday, Amnesty International’s Country Director, Isa Sanusi, announced that the organisation had filed a case with the International Court of Justice in The Hague, alleging crimes against humanity in the region.
In response, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Buba Edward, criticised the organisation in a statement on Friday, asserting that the military operates as a professional force.
Speaking on the modus operandi of the military in its fights against insurgency, Buba explained that whenever arrests are made, suspects are thoroughly profiled, after which they are handed over to the appropriate agency or agencies as the case may be, for either release or prosecution.
He said, “The armed forces views the pronouncements by Amnesty International as shocking, lacking in merit as well as mischievous, particularly as it coming at this ending cycle stage of the counter terrorism war in the NE.
“Though the Armed Forces is not willing to join words with Amnesty International, it is of utmost necessity to set the records straight. The Nigerian military is a professional forces which 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, troop have painstakingly abide by the rules of engagement to extensively avoided civilian casualties in whatever shape or form. Additionally, whenever arrest are made , suspects are profiled, after which the suspects are handed over to the appropriate agency for release or prosecution. ”
As a deterrent to unethical conduct, Buba stated that standing court-martials are in place within the operational theatres to ensure justice is promptly administered to any military personnel found erring during operations.
“Overall, It is necessary to reiterate that the armed forces under the able leadership of the CDS, General Christopher Musa, remains professional in carrying out its constitutional mandates in line with global best practices, ” he added.
Buba, however, stated that the organisation’s invitation was intended to enable the military to investigate the authenticity or falsity of their allegations.
He said, ” On the whole, the armed forces invites Amnesty International to substantiate the details of the allegations. This will enable the military to conduct an inquiry in order to determine the authenticity or otherwise of the made allegations.”
