Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Chief (Dr) Tony Ojukwu, SAN, has reiterated the Commission’s commitment to ensuring accountability, justice, and respect for human rights, particularly in the context of counter-insurgency operations.
Ojukwu who was represented by Mr. Hilary Ogbonna, General Counsel SIIP North-East stated this at the opening of the Civil-Military Forum on the Recommendations and Findings of the Special Independent Investigative Panel on Human Rights Violations in Counter-Insurgency in North East Nigeria.
According to Ojukwu, the panel was established in response to the disturbing allegations published by Reuters report titled “Nightmare in Nigeria,” which has completed its investigation and issued critical findings and recommendations.
These findings, he noted, highlighted serious concerns regarding human rights violations in the region, including the killing of civilians in Abisari, Borno State, and allegations of forced abortions and violence against women and children.
His words: “In light of these findings, this forum serves as a platform for us to engage in meaningful dialogue and explore ways to address these concerns. Our primary goal is to bring together the Nigerian military and the NHRC-to collectively reflect on these findings and discuss practical steps for the implementation of the panel’s recommendations.
“At the NHRC, we believe that upholding human rights is not just the responsibility of the government or human rights organzations; it is a shared duty among all of us. As the National Human Rights Commission, we are committed to promoting human dignity, ensuring accountability, and strengthening the rule of law. This forum will help guide our collective efforts towards ensuring that such violations are addressed and that we build a military that respects the rights and dignity of all civilians in conflict zones.
“The issues we are addressing today are not only about past violations, but about ensuring that we create a future where human rights are central to the operations of the Nigeria Armed Forces. The will require commitment, transparency, and the willingness to learn and grow from our past experiences.
“I am confident that the discussions and decisions that will take place today will contribute to the reforms needed to ensure greater accountability within the military and to establish stronger protections for civilians in the North-East and other conflict areas of the country.
“I encourage everyone here today to engage actively, share your insights, and contribute to a constructive conversation about how we can collectively work towards a military that is both effective in safeguarding our national security and accountable to the human rights of every citizens” , he added.
The Executive Secretary further expressed his deepest gratitude to the Nigerian armed forces for their willingness to engage in this dialogue and for their ongoing efforts to enhance the professionalism of the military. He also thanked international partners and all the stakeholders who have supported the process.
According to Ojukwu, the Forum will mark the beginning of meaningful change, where human rights are placed at the heart of all counter-insurgency operations, and where justice and accountability are not just ideals, but realities for every Nigerian.
In her opening remarks at the forum, the Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission, Dr. Salamatu Husseini Suleiman, who was represented by Commissioner Kemi Okonyedo, Member, Governing Council, NHRC, noted that the purpose of the forum is to foster an open and constructive dialogue between the Nigerian Armed Forces, the National Human Rights Commission, and key stakeholders, as we work toward Implementing the findings and recommendations of the Special Independent Investigative Panel (SIIP) on Human Rights Violations in Counter-Insurgency Operations in North-East Nigeria.
According to the Chairperson, the findings of the SIIP North-East, which were guided by a commitment to thorough investigations, impartiality, and transparency, have brought to light serious concerns regarding the conduct of military operations in the region. This concern, she noted, includes but is not limited to the killing of civilians in Abisari, Borno State, and allegations of forced and illegal abortions and other grave violations.
Her words: ” While some of the most serious allegations, including systematic abuses, were not substantiated by the panel’s investigation, we must not lose sight of the fact that significant human rights violations did occur. The killing of civilians in Abisari remains a grave violation that demands justice, accountability, and immediate action. These are not abstract issues. These are real lives, real families, and real communities whose suffering must be acknowledged and addressed.
“These recommendations of the panel provide a roadmap for addressing these violations, holding perpetrators accountable and ensuring that similar violations do not occur in the future.
She further stated that among the panel’s key recommendations are: compensation for the victims of the Abisari killings, with the federal government ensuring that the families and communities affected are provided adequate reparations. The prosecution of those responsible for these heinous acts through a Court Martial and the referral of retired officers for prosecution by the Attorney General of the Federation. Reforms aimed at strengthening accountability mechanisms within the military, including improved training on human rights and the development of standards for military engagement that prioritize civilian protection.
She further stated: ” As we discuss these recommendations today, let us remember that the ultimate goal is not just to address past wrongs, but to ensure a future where the Nigerian military conducts its operations with full respect for human rights. We must work toward a military that is not only capable in its fight against insurgency but also committed to protecting the dignity and rights of every Nigerian, particularly those in conflict zones.
“Our responsibility as the NHRC is to ensure that human rights are placed at the heart of every military operation, especially in counter-insurgency efforts. The reforms we discuss today must lead to tangible actions that uphold the principles of international humanitarian law and human rights and that safeguard the lives of innocent civilians who should never bear the brunt of war.
“This forum is an opportunity for us to engage openly and honestly about the challenges we face and the steps we need to take moving forward. It is also an opportunity to reinforce the partnership between the Nigerian Armed Forces, the NHRC, and other civil society stakeholders. Only through collaboration, accountability, and mutual respect will we be able to create a military that is not only effective in securing our nation but also accountable to the people it serves, “she also added.
There were goodwill messages from the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Staff of the Nigerian Army, Inspector General of Police, Commandant-General NSCDC, Corps Marshal FRSC, etc. all pledging their support for the panel report and its recommendations.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of the report on the Recommendations and Findings of the Special Independent Investigative Panel on Human Rights Violations in Counter-Insurgency Operations in North-East Nigeria which was presented by Mr. Hilary Ogbonna, General Counsel SIIP North-East.
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