Major A.A. Goni, a lawyer at the Defence Headquarters’ Legal Services, lodged a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) during a forum in Abuja.
He alleged that a civilian failed to deliver a purchased parcel of land or refund his money, NN News Media gathered.
Goni expressed concern about civilians often accusing military officers of rights violations when enforcing their rights, overshadowing the actual facts.
He shared a personal experience of unsuccessfully trying to recover a land purchase through legal means, citing challenges with the civil-military relations.
Goni urged the NHRC to address human rights violations against military personnel and emphasized the importance of due process in evaluating accusations against them.
He assured the forum that the Nigerian armed forces adhere to strict rules of engagement and relevant laws in all operations.
Responding during a forum on civil-military relations, NHRC’s Executive Secretary, Tony Ojukwu, emphasized the significance of human rights in modern warfare.
He called for the integration of comprehensive human rights training into the military curriculum, covering legal, moral, and ethical aspects.
Ojukwu stressed the importance of accountability and transparency within the military structure to promptly investigate allegations of human rights abuses.
He assured commitment to working with the military to promote and protect human rights.
Dr. Salamatu Hussaini Suleiman, Chair of the NHRC Governing Council, expressed gratitude to the Nigerian military for their selfless service and commended their progress in integrating human rights principles.
She urged continuous expansion of human rights training programs and reinforcement of accountability mechanisms within the military.
The forum included military officers and civil society organizations discussing the mainstreaming of human rights in military operations.
Both the NHRC and participants agreed to build on successes and continue efforts to enhance human rights in the armed forces.
