DHQ to investigate Amnesty International’s allegation of human right abuse

The Defence Headquarters on Friday said it would investigate the Amnesty International’s allegation of human right abuses by security operatives in the ongoing operations in the North-East.
This information is contained in a statement issued by Major General Chris Olukolade, Director of Defence Information, in Abuja.
The report titled: “Nigeria: More than 1,500 killed in Armed Conflict in North-Eastern Nigeria in early 2014″, contain allegations of human right abuses in the north eastern part of Nigeria.
“Notwithstanding the fact that the report is not consistent with the actual situation on ground, security authorities will ensure that the allegations as it affects government forces are duly investigated.
“This will be with a view to taking necessary action to address any case of human right breach on the part of troops,” Olukolade said.
He said that in spite of the peculiar asymmetric nature of the security challenge, measures were being taken by troops to comply with tenets of human rights and rules of engagement.
Olukolade said apart from inculcating the necessity for observance of human rights in troops, regular programmes had been conducted to review human rights situation related to the conduct of the operations
“It is in this respect that most of those apprehended in the counter-terrorist operations are kept in custody.
“These detention facilities have been visited by non-governmental organizations, including International Committee of the Red Cross and others to verify the conditions of detainees.
“This is even in the face of destruction of relevant amenities by the terrorists who have burnt down prisons, courts and government facilities in that part of the country in the course of their ceaseless attacks,” he said.
Olukolade said the allegation contained in the report, attributing gross abuses of human rights of Nigerians to both the terrorists and the security forces was confounded.
“Nigerians are once again assured that in carrying out the mandate of ridding the country of terrorism, necessary efforts will be made to respect the fundamental rights of all citizens,” he said.