The Nigerian military has called on Amnesty International to present evidence supporting its allegations that over 10,000 civilians died in military custody during the ongoing conflict in the North East.
The armed forces described the accusations as “malicious, shocking, lacking in merit, and mischievous,” asserting that they adhere to professional and legal standards in their operations.
During a press briefing in Maiduguri on Thursday, Amnesty International alleged that the military’s actions had led to thousands of civilian deaths. In response, Major-General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, released a statement emphasizing the military’s commitment to international humanitarian laws and ethical conduct.
“The Nigerian Armed Forces conduct operations within the framework of international humanitarian law and armed conflict regulations,” Buba stated. He added that the military employs stringent procedures, including profiling suspects and handing them over to appropriate agencies for further action. To deter misconduct, the military also maintains standing court-martials within operational theaters.
The statement acknowledged the complexity of the counterterrorism environment but reiterated that the military has taken significant precautions to minimize civilian casualties. Buba further urged Amnesty International to provide detailed evidence of their claims to facilitate an inquiry and verify the allegations.
“These allegations come at a critical stage in the counterterrorism efforts in the North East. It is imperative to set the record straight and ensure transparency,” Buba concluded.
The military reaffirmed its commitment to professionalism and accountability under the leadership of General Christopher Musa, while insisting on the importance of substantiating any accusations with credible evidence.
