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NHRC Insists Violation of Human Rights by Military in the Northeast must be Punished
NHRC Insists Violation of Human Rights by Military in the Northeast must be Punished
… Compensations Paid to Victims
By: Michael Mike
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has said Nigerians must not lose sight of the fact that significant human rights violations did occur in the ongoing military counter-insurgency operation in the Northeast which calls for punishment for perpetrators and compensation to victims.
Speaking in Abuja at the opening of the Civil-Military Forum on the Recommendations and Findings of the Special Independent Investigative Panel on Human Rights Violations in Counter-Insurgency Operations in North-East Nigeria, the Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Salamatu Husseini Suleiman insisted that that the military was not found involved in the forced abortion of over 10,000 pregnant women in the crisis torn Northeast region as reported by Reuters did not mean it never violated human rights of the people of the area.
Suleiman, who was represented by another member of the NHRC board, Kemi Asiwaju-Okenyodo noted that the purpose of the forum was to foster an open and constructive dialogue between the Nigerian Armed Forces, the National Human Rights Commission, and key stakeholders, and
work toward implementing the findings and recommendations of the Special Independent Investigative Panel (SIIP) on Human Rights Violations in Counter-Insurgency Operations in North-East Nigeria.
She also noted that: “The findings of the SIIP North-East, which were guided by a commitment to thorough investigation, impartiality, and transparency, have brought to light serious concerns regarding the conduct of military operations in the region. These concerns include, but are not limited to, the killing of civilians in Abisari, Borno State, and allegations of forced and illegal abortions and other grave violations.
“While some of the most serious allegations, including systematic abuses, were not substantiated by the panel’s investigation, we must not lose sight of the fact that significant human rights violations did occur. The killing of civilians in Abisari remains a grave violation that demands justice, accountability, and immediate action.”
She insisted that: “These are not abstract issues. These are real lives, real families, and real communities whose suffering must be acknowledged and addressed, “ adding that: “The recommendations of the panel provide a roadmap for addressing these violations, holding perpetrators accountable, and ensuring that similar violations do not occur in the future.”
Among the panel’s key recommendations are include Compensation for the victims of the Abisari killings with the Federal Government ensuring that the families and communities affected are provided adequate reparations; the prosecution of those responsible for these heinous acts through a Court Martial and the referral of retired officers for prosecution by the Attorney General of the Federation; Reforms aimed at strengthening accountability mechanisms within the military, including improved training on human rights and the development of standards for military engagement that prioritize civilian protection.
She said: “As we discuss these recommendations today, let us remember that the ultimate goal is not just to address past wrongs, but to ensure a future where the Nigerian military conducts its operations with full respect for human rights. We must work toward a military that is not only capable in its fight against insurgency but also committed to protecting the dignity and rights of every Nigerian, particularly those in conflict zones.”
She added that: “As we embark on these discussions, I urge all of us here today to reflect deeply on the findings and recommendations, and to think about the practical steps we can take to move from dialogue to action. We must be prepared to implement reforms, hold individuals accountable for violations, and build a culture of respect for human rights within the military.”
Suleiman noted that: “Together, we can ensure that justice is done, that victims are compensated, and that we pave the way for a future where human rights are safeguarded in all aspects of our military operations.”
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, on his part, explained that in the light of the findings by the panel, “this forum serves as a platform for us to engage in meaningful dialogue and explore ways to address these concerns. Our primary goal is to bring together the Nigerian military and the NHRC — to collectively reflect on these findings and discuss practical steps for the implementation of the panel’s recommendations.”
He said: “At the NHRC, we believe that upholding human rights is not just the responsibility of the government or human rights organizations; it is a shared duty among all of us. As the National Human Rights Commission, we are committed to promoting human dignity, ensuring accountability, and strengthening the rule of law. This forum will help guide our collective efforts toward ensuring that such violations are addressed, and that we build a military that respects the rights and dignity of all civilians in conflict zones.”
He noted that: “issues we are addressing today are not only about past violations but about ensuring that we create a future where human rights are central to the operations of the Nigerian Armed Forces. This will require commitment, transparency, and the willingness to learn and grow from our past experiences.
“I am confident that the discussions and decisions that will take place today will contribute to the reforms needed to ensure greater accountability within the military and to establish stronger protections for civilians in the North-East and other conflict areas of the country.”
NHRC Insists Violation of Human Rights by Military in the Northeast must be Punished
German Ambs, UNDP Country Rep unveil Zulum’s mass housing units, ICT centre
By: Our Reporter
The Ambassador of Germany to Nigeria, Annet Gunther, and the resident representative of the United Nations Development Programme to Nigeria, Elsie Attafuah, unveiled two projects executed by the administration of Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, in Monguno town.
While the German Ambassador unveiled resettlement houses for internally displaced persons (IDPs), Nigeria’s UNDP Country Representative conducted the commissioning of a 100-person capacity ICT centre to facilitate digital education.
The housing estate consists of 1,000 two-bedroom semi-detached low-cost houses and another 900 semi-permanent shelters with basic amenities such as a health centre and a borehole for water provision.
About 1,874 IDP families from 14 communities benefited from the housing project. Each of them received food and non-food items, N50,000 cash for the household heads and another N20,000 for each housewife.
In her goodwill message, Madam Annet Gunther commended Governor Zulum for the laudable projects that helped people affected by insurgency pick up the pieces of their lives.
She said: “This housing project is also a great example of collaboration between the government of Borno State and international partners. Funding for the housing units comes from both the state government and international partners.”
Elsie Attafuah corroborated Gunther’s commendation of Zulum’s administration, noting that the housing project aligns with UNDP’s regional stabilisation effort which is working towards peace restoration in communities in Lake Chad area.
Governor Zulum, in his address, explained that while the German Government funded the construction of 500 permanent and another 900 semi-permanent shelters, Borno State Government constructed the remaining 500 houses and provided amenities such as a health centre and potable water among others.
“A Letter of Agreement (LOA) was signed between Borno State Government and UNDP in 2020 under the RS German initiative to start the construction of 500 housing units. In August 2023, another LOA was signed under RSF German reintegration funds aimed at completing the 500 permanent housing units, providing an additional 900 semi-permanent shelters, and installing 375 solar streetlights,” the governor said.
He added that in addition to these efforts, Borno State Government had also constructed 500 permanent housing units and provided toilets for the temporary shelters, bringing the total number of houses constructed to 1,900.
According to Zulum, these accommodations will play a crucial role in the voluntary decongestion and eventual closure of some IDP camps in Monguno, ensuring a smoother transition for resettling families.
The governor expressed gratitude to the Governments of Germany, the United Kingdom, Sweden, the Netherlands, Egypt and the European Union, among other donors for supporting Borno State.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Germany for their generous contribution and to UNDP for their unwavering partnership.
“Additionally, we thank all other donors and contributors to the RSF, UN OFFER, and other funding initiatives dedicated to promoting peace, stability, reintegration and development in Borno State,” Zulum stated.
Dignitaries, including the Egyptian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mohammed Foud, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, the Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator, Esty Sotyoko, the head of UNDP office, Maiduguri, Mathew Alao, community leaders and citizens, gathered to witness the commissioning ceremony.
German Ambs, UNDP Country Rep unveil Zulum’s mass housing units, ICT centre
Budget Defence: NHRC Promises to Tackle Emerging Human Rights Challenges
By: Michael
Mike
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has presented its 2024 budget performance and defended its proposed 2025 budget before the Joint Committees on Human Rights of the Senate and House of Representatives.
The budget presentation which held at the National Assembly Complex, highlighted the Commission’s efforts to address pressing human rights issues amidst growing economic challenges and human rights concerns in the country
Speaking during the session Chaired and Co-Chaired by Senator Adegbomire Adeniyi, Chairman Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters and Hon Peter Makinde, Chair House of Representative Committee on Human Rights, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, provided a comprehensive breakdown of the Commission’s ₦5 billion allocation for 2024.
Ojukwu, who stated that the budget achieved an unprecedented 99.9% implementation rate, including the construction and completion of eight state offices across the country, emphasized that this achievement was remarkable given the Commission’s limited resources.
The Executive Secretary justified what the proposed N8 billion appraisal for the Commission for 2025 fiscal year, which represents an increase from the previous year, would be used on.
He said the proposed budget aims to address emerging human rights challenges such as terrorism, communal conflicts, insurgency, natural disasters like floods, and the rising cost of operations due to inflation and an increased payroll.
Ojukwu said: “The proposed budget will strengthen the Commission’s capacity to address pressing human rights issues in Nigeria.”
He revealed that “the proposal includes funding for the establishment of more human rights offices across the country to improve access to the services of the Commission, especially in states where our services are not felt,” insisting that these efforts are essential for enhancing the Commission’s independence and effectiveness.
“This proposed budget reflects our determination to create a more inclusive and just society,” Ojukwu said, adding that: “It will enable us to expand our reach, respond swiftly to human rights violations, and engage effectively with communities to promote awareness and accountability.”
He however appealed to lawmakers to consider increasing the proposed budget from ₦8 billion to ₦19.55 billion, explaining that the growing volume of complaints, which stood at over 2 million annually and the cost of investigating each case is straining the Commission’s resources.
He said: “For instance, investigating a single case costs approximately ₦8,000. To investigate 2 million cases effectively, the Commission would require ₦16 billion. The current allocation of ₦8 billion is grossly inadequate to meet this demand.”
Members of the Joint Committees commended the NHRC for its strategic focus and commitment to its mandate. While some lawmakers sought clarifications on specific aspects of the proposal, which the Executive Secretary addressed, some consequently raised their concerns.
If approved, the proposed allocation would represent a critical step towards addressing persistent human rights challenges in Nigeria, including gender-based violence, child rights violations, and police brutality, public inquiries on various investigative panels, etc.
The National Assembly is expected to conclude deliberations on the budget proposal in the coming weeks.
Budget Defence: NHRC Promises to Tackle Emerging Human Rights Challenges
VP Shettima Decorates Newly Promoted Police Officers in His Office
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Friday decorated five police officers from his security detail with their new ranks following their recent promotion by the Police Service Commission.
The officers promoted included Idowu Olatunji who moved to Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) from Superintendent of Police. Adamu Barma was elevated to Superintendent of Police (SP), while three officers – Rufai Mohammed Bello, Usman Abubakar, and Yanas Zidon – were all promoted to Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP).
At a brief decoration event at the Presidential Villa, Vice President Shettima praised the officers’ dedication to duty while reminding them of the increased responsibilities that come with their new positions, just as he assured them of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to the development and welfare of all security agencies.
He said, “Today’s event is a recognition of your dedication and hard work but with promotion comes greater responsibility as the President is proud of the work and sacrifice you make for all Nigerians.”
The Vice President emphasised the importance of maintaining professional standards, urging the officers to remain above reproach and stay committed to the core values of the Nigeria Police Force.
He also expressed gratitude to the Police Service Commission for their swift approval of the promotions.
VP Shettima Decorates Newly Promoted Police Officers in His Office
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