The claim contained in the Amnesty International’s report titled: “Nigeria: More than 1,500 killed in Armed Conflict in North-Eastern Nigeria in early 2014”, has been described as “confounding” and ‘inconsistent with the actual situation on ground”.
This was contained in a press release by the Defence Headquarters dated Friday, April 4, 2014.
According to the statement, the security authorities will nevertheless ensure that the allegations as it affects the government forces are duly investigated. This will be with a view to taking necessary action to address any case of human right breach on the part of troops.
The Director, Defence Information, Major Gen. Chris Olukolade noted that despite the peculiar asymmetric nature of the security challenge, measures have been put in place to ensure compliance with tenets of human right and rules of engagement by troops involved in the conduct of the mission.
It is in this respect that most of those apprehended in the counter-terrorist operations are kept in custody. These detention facilities have been visited by Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) including International Committee of the Red Cross and others to verify the conditions of detainees.
This is even in the face of destruction of relevant amenities by the terrorists who have burnt down prisons, courts and government facilities in that part of the country in the course of their ceaseless attacks.
Meanwhile, Nigerians are once again assured that while carrying out the mandate of ridding the country of any vestige of terrorism, necessary efforts will continue to be made to respect the fundamental rights of all citizens.
