The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has invited Amnesty International to prove allegations made against the military that civilians were tortured in the north-east.
Amnesty International alleged that over 10,000 people have died in military custody since the beginning of the Boko Haram insurgency in the north-east.
Isa Sanusi, Amnesty International’s Nigerian country director, said on Thursday during a press conference that the organisation had filed a case with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, alleging crimes against humanity in the north-east
However, in a statement, Major General Edward Buba, director of defence media operations, described the allegations as mischievous, noting that “the army does not keep detainees beyond a timeframe of necessary and thorough profiling”.
Buba added that suspects are handed over to the appropriate agency for either release or prosecution after investigations.
“The attention of the Defence Headquarters has been drawn to some spurious allegations made by Amnesty International during a press conference held on 5 Dec 24,” the statement reads.
“It was alleged that, since the onset of Boko Haram insurgency in the North East of Nigeria (NE), over ten thousand civilians died in Nigerian military detention facilities, among other spurious allegations.
“The armed forces view 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 counterterrorism war in the NE.
“Though the operational environment has been complex and challenging, troops have painstakingly abided by the rules of engagement to extensively avoid civilian casualties in whatever shape or form.
“Additionally, whenever arrests are made, suspects are profiled, after which the suspects are handed over to the appropriate agency for release or prosecution.
“As a deterrence to unethical conducts, there are standing court martials within the operational theatres to ensure justice is immediately administered to any erring personnel 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.
“On the whole, the armed forces invite 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.”
Buba said the organisation’s invitation was intended to enable the military to investigate the authenticity or falsity of their allegations.
