The Global Amnesty Watch (GAW) has tackled rights organization, Amnesty International (AI) over allegations of rights violation levelled against the Nigerian Military.
DAILY POST reports that Amnesty International had, in a recent report, alleged that over 10,000 people died in the custody of the Nigerian military since the onset of the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria’s North-East.
Amnesty International’s Nigeria Country Director, Isa Sanusi, who made the disclosure on December 5, 2024, said the organisation has filed a case against the Nigerian military with the International Court of Justice in The Hague, for commiting crimes against humanity in the North-East.
“The Nigerian military has frequently treated anyone from areas controlled by Boko Haram as suspected members of the group,” Sanusi said, noting that members of the Nigerian military may have committed crimes against humanity, including murder, extermination, imprisonment, and gender-based persecution as part of a policy to systematically target civilians
However, addressing journalists on Monday in Abuja, the Global Amnesty Watch faulted the allegations, saying the Nigerian military should be commended for their sacrifices and commitment to protecting the country’s sovereignty.
The Country Rep/President of Nigeria Office, Dr. Lion Adebayo Ogorry, added that the Nigerian military had operated in line with international best practices in the war against insurgency.
Adebayo commended the Nigerian government for its proactive approach to addressing allegations of misconduct against the military, as well as its commitment to transparency and accountability.
Speaking further, Adebayo noted that the allegations against the Nigerian military represent the actions of a minority and do not define the entirety of the Armed Forces.
The group emphasised the importance of recognising the context in which the military operates, facing an enemy that does not adhere to conventional warfare rules.
Accusing Amnesty International of exaggerating and inflating the numbers of recorded victims, GAW dismissed AI’s report as a propagation of falsehood and lies aimed at intimidating Nigeria.
Adebayo said, “While it is understandable that the discussed allegations against the military and police are very sensitive, we believe that the emphasis on it should not overshadow the broader context of our security Forces’ sacrifice and services to the nation.
“We mustn’t forget that our armed forces remain the bedrock of national security, and their integrity is a responsibility worthy of preservation. The government’s commitment to the course of justice, transparency, and accountability is a step in the right direction.
“By addressing these concerns with the seriousness they deserve, then it is obvious we won’t only be rebuilding the public trust, but we’ll be strengthening the nation’s unity.
“The path to peace and justice is a rough one with a beautiful destination. It requires our collective effort, strong commitment, and a firm belief in the principles of humanity and accountability. We strongly believe that together, we can ensure that Nigeria emerges stronger, more united, and become a great beacon of Justice.”
10,000 deaths: Global Amnesty Watch tackles AI over allegations against Nigerian Army
