Kehinde Fajobi
The Defence Headquarters has dismissed allegations by Amnesty International accusing the Nigerian military of committing war crimes in the North-East, describing the claims as “shocking and baseless.”
Amnesty International alleged that over 10,000 people have died in military custody since the Boko Haram insurgency began.
On Thursday, its Country Director, Isa Sanusi, announced during a press conference that the organisation had filed a case with the International Court of Justice in The Hague.
In a response on Friday, Major General Buba Edward, Director of Defence Media Operations, criticised the allegations, describing them as “shocking, lacking in merit as well as mischievous.”
“The Nigerian military is a professional force which conducts its operations within the dictates of international humanitarian law and the laws of armed conflicts,” Buba stated.
He added that the military operates with strict adherence to rules of engagement to avoid civilian casualties.
“Whenever arrests are made, suspects are profiled, after which they are handed over to the appropriate agency for release or prosecution,” he said.
Buba emphasised the existence of standing court-martials within operational theatres to deter and address unethical conduct among personnel.
He assured the public that under the leadership of General Christopher Musa, the military remains committed to global best practices in its operations.
The Defence Headquarters invited Amnesty International to substantiate its claims.
“This will enable the military to conduct an inquiry to determine the authenticity or otherwise of the allegations,” Buba stated.