Nigeria Army, NBA Partner Over Human Rights Violations

BEVERLY HILLS, November 30, (THEWILL) – The Nigerian Army has entered into a partnership with the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) to monitor and report cases of human rights violation by security agents across the country.

A joint monitoring team made up of the two bodies was inaugurated on Monday to achieve the goals of the partnership.

NBA President, Augustine Alegeh (SAN), who disclosed this at a workshop titled “Human rights in times of conflict” held in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, said the inauguration of the monitoring team was aimed at improving human rights protection and also check human rights abuse in the country.

Alegeh said Nigerians, with the inauguration of the joint team, will now be able to report cases of gross human rights violations directly to the security agencies.

He said the measure was also part of the partnership required to improve the image of the Armed Forces especially with the ongoing Boko Haram counter insurgency operations.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, in his remarks at the occasion, restated the Army’s commitment to respect human rights in its operations.

While maintaining that the Army would always be professional and responsive in the discharge of its duties, Buratai

said the Army had taken steps toward prosecuting officers and soldiers involved in human rights abuses during operations.

His words: “Since I came on board, there has been no place for human right violators in the Army. The Nigeria Army is established by the constitution therefore, all aspects of human rights will continue to be respected as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The Nigerian Army had strictly adhered to and promote the rule of law, in accordance to all procedures in the course of its operations.”

Also speaking at the occasion, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Abubakar Malami, restated President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to supporting the Army in ensuring protection of lives and properties of the citizens as he commended the Nigeria Army for the success recorded in the counter-insurgency operations.