CDS inaugurates rights c’ttee to probe alleged abuses against Military
Against the backdrop of unending allegations by human rights bodies including Amnesty International regarding issues of rights violation by Nigerian military forces in several operations in the country, Chief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel Olonisakin yesterday inaugurated the DHQ Independent Committee on Human Rights to investigate the mirage of allegations.
Emphasizing that it was necessary to dispel wrongly held opinions that the Armed Forces of Nigeria condones and encourages violation of human rights in their operations, the CDS said the Armed Forces are not unaware of some isolated cases of human rights violations, but such instances are promptly dealt with.
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His words, “You must have also noted our engagement with Amnesty International, National Human Rights Commission and Civil Society Organizations to put the record straight when the need arises.”
General Olonisakin said, “It became necessary to task independent minded individual to examine the conduct of our operations because even though most of the accusations emanate from the north east, in ongoing counter terrorism operations, the focus of the committee should not be limited to north east alone.
He disclosed that the committee is required to collate and document written complaints and investigate all alleged human rights violations.
It is also to interface with human rights bodies, recommend sanctions where necessary and advise DHQ on modalities to curtail violations by troops.
Chairman of the Committee Major General Abubakar Mustapha Gana (rtd) in his remarks, gave assurances that the committees will conduct unbiased investigations.
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