The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has strongly refuted the allegations made by Amnesty International (AI) that the Nigerian Armed Forces have committed crimes against humanity in the North East. The DHQ has challenged the international human rights organization to provide evidence to support their claims.
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During a media briefing, Amnesty International’s Country Director, Isa Sanusi, alleged that over 10,000 people have died in military custody since the beginning of counter-insurgency operations in the region. The organization also stated that they have filed a case with the International Court of Justice in The Hague, accusing the Nigerian military of crimes against humanity.
In response, Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, condemned the allegations, describing them as “shocking, lacking in merit, and mischievous.” He emphasized that the armed forces operate as a professional force and that suspects arrested during military operations undergo thorough profiling before being handed over to the appropriate agency for further investigation, which may result in their release or prosecution.
Major General Buba expressed surprise at the timing of Amnesty International’s accusations, given that the counter-terrorism war in the North East is nearing its conclusion. He stated, “The armed forces views the pronouncements by Amnesty International as shocking, lacking in merit as well as mischievous, particularly as it is coming at this ending cycle stage of the counter terrorism war in the NE.”
The Defence Headquarters maintains that the Nigerian Armed Forces adhere to professional standards and operate within the bounds of the law. They have called upon Amnesty International to substantiate their claims with concrete evidence.
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