The Defence Headquarters of Nigeria has issued a strong response to allegations made by Amnesty International in a report launched during a press conference in Abuja on June 10, 2024.
The report accuses the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) of human rights violations.
In a statement released by Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, the AFN refuted the allegations, asserting that the Nigerian military operates within the confines of international law and adheres to principles of humanitarian law and human rights.
The AFN emphasized its status as a professional force, maintaining zero tolerance for indiscipline and improper conduct.
The statement, signed by Major General Buba, highlighted the military’s self-regulating mechanisms, including standing court martials, to address any proven cases of misconduct.
It noted that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, leads the AFN with a commitment to upholding discipline and ethical behavior during operations across the country.
“The military has self-regulating mechanisms within the military justice system to address any proven case,” the statement read.
“There are standing court martials to treat any form of misbehavior by erring personnel, especially those that portray the military negatively to the general populace.”
The Defence Headquarters expressed a willingness to engage constructively with Amnesty International to substantiate their claims but criticized what it described as “self-serving statements” aimed at undermining the morale of troops in operational theaters.
Despite these allegations, the military reaffirmed its focus on defeating terrorism in Nigeria.
“The military will remain focused on its objective and unperturbed by such self-serving statements,” the statement concluded.
“We will engage constructively with Amnesty International where available, and continue conducting operations assiduously to defeat terrorism in our nation.”
This response comes amid ongoing challenges faced by the Nigerian military in combating insurgency and terrorism within the country.
LV