The top military official, Gen. Christopher Musa, emphasized that the military remains dedicated to its duty of safeguarding the nation’s borders, despite unfounded allegations aimed at diverting its focus.
His remarks came after an investigative panel, initiated by the National Human Rights Commission, reviewed claims of human rights violations in the North-East attributed to the military.
The panel was tasked with looking into allegations made in a report by Reuters alleging the military’s involvement in a clandestine and unlawful abortion program in the North-East, reportedly terminating thousands of pregnancies resulting from kidnappings and assaults by extremist groups.
Following its investigation, the panel stated that there was no evidence to substantiate the accusations of secret programs or illegal practices by the Nigerian military, based on witness testimonies.
Gen. Musa, through a statement released by the Director of Defence Information Brig Gen Tukur Gusau, commended the panel for its findings.
He affirmed the military’s commitment to upholding human rights and promoting peace in areas facing turmoil.
He stated, “The Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Gwabin Musa has praised the Special Independent Investigative Panel on Human Rights Violations in Counter Insurgency in the North East for clearing the Armed Forces of Nigeria of accusations made by international organizations regarding forced abortions and other misconduct in the North East. The panel’s report explicitly refuted claims of systematic abortions, torture, rape, and extrajudicial killings attributed to the AFN.
“The CDS lauded the diligent work of the seven-member panel, led by Justice Abdu Aboki (retired), since its establishment in March 2023 by the Nigerian Human Rights Commission. Gen. Musa reiterated the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s dedication to human rights protection and peacekeeping efforts in the country.
“The Defence Chief emphasized that baseless accusations will not deter the AFN from fulfilling its constitutional duty of safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty”.