Connect with us

News

Reuters Allegation, 84 persons have witnessed so far- NHRC

Published

on

Reuters Allegation, 84 persons have witnessed so far- NHRC

By: Michael Mike

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has disclosed that 84 witnesses have so far given testimonies to the panel saddled with the duty of investigating the allegation of the international media organisation Reuters against the Nigerian Army of involvement in abortion of 10,000 pregnancies, massive killing of children and deliberate violation of rights of women and girls in its counter-insurgency operation in the North East.

The panel after visits to the North East to take testimonies and conduct on the ground investigations in the troubled region, has resumed its work in Abuja where further testimonies were being collected.

A Senior Human Rights Adviser to Chief Tony Ojukwu, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission, (NHRC), Hillary Ogbonna, who doubles as the Secretary, Special Independent Investigative Panel on Human Rights Violations in the counter Insurgency Operations in the North East, (SIIP:NE), said the Reuters Report indicated that 40 soldiers, most of whom were officers, were interviewed in the course of the reports.

He said: “December last year, Reuters published reports alleging abortion of ten thousand pregnancies, infanticide and other forms of Sexual and Gender Based Violence against the Nigeria Military but the military has since denied the allegations saying it was a deliberate attempt to rubbish the counter insurgency operation.”

Ogbonna noted that the latest report highlighted how Reuters arrived at their publications and the allegations against the Nigeria Military in their counter insurgency operations in the North East.

According to him, the report which was the follow up to the first reports released by Reuters last year December was released on the 19th of April and was named Abortion Assault II.

Meanwhile, Colonel Yakubu Ibrahim of the Nigerian Defence College who was at a twine in charge of a battalion in the Northeast theatre of operation, said the allegations of Reuters was laughable.

Ibrahim said the story of Reuters is a fiction, adding that when he read the report, he thought the writer was mistaking Nigeria for somewhere else.

Also, the Force Commander, United Nations mission to South-Sudan, Major General Benjamin Sawyer urged the investigative panel to everything within its power to unravel the matter; saying the military has a key goal of combating insurgency and restoring peace in the troubled region. It therefore could not have embarked on secrete acts alleged in the Reuters report.

“What they have written is completely false, misleading and degrading to the image of Nigerians and the Nigerian Army despite what the military has done to restore normalcy in restive regions.”

Also testifying, Retired Major General Jame Komolafe, Former Commander, 21 Brigade, North East, described the Reuters report as deliberate falsehood circulated to rubbish the integrity of the military.

He added that the military was law abiding and no military medical facility will subject itself to such illicit medical practice.

The Panel, chaired by a retired justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Abdul-Aboki, is officially known as Special Independent Investigative Panel on Human Rights Violations in the implementation of counter insurgency operations in the North East.

Reuters Allegation, 84 persons have witnessed so far- NHRC

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Troops engage armed bandits in heavy gun battle during raid on suspected hideout in Zamfara

Published

on

Troops engage armed bandits in heavy gun battle during raid on suspected hideout in Zamfara

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA have reportedly engaged armed bandits in a heavy gun battle during a clearance operation at Yankuzo area in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara state.

Security sources said the operation followed aggressive fighting patrol on armed groups into the area, believed to be a stronghold used by suspected bandit elements operating within the axis.

According to the sources, troops advanced into deep into the terrorists enclave of Ado Allero in the early hours of the day and made contact with the armed men, leading to an exchange of fire that lasted for several minutes.

Residents reported heavy gunfire during the confrontation.

Although details of casualties were still being assessed at the time of filing this report, security sources confirmed that troops maintained dominance of the general area and continued pursuit of fleeing armed elements.

Troops engage armed bandits in heavy gun battle during raid on suspected hideout in Zamfara

Continue Reading

News

Troops rescue three kidnapped victims during operation in Niger State

Published

on

Troops rescue three kidnapped victims during operation in Niger State

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have rescued three kidnapped victims during a swift response to a distress call in Kusheri village area of Niger state.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on April 21, 2026, when armed bandits invaded the community and abducted three civilians identified as Abdullahi, Saidu Julfe and Kamilu Joddi.

According to the sources, troops deployed at Forward Operating Base Dokan Karji immediately mobilised after receiving the distress alert and advanced towards the area of operation.

On arrival, the troops discovered that the attackers had already fled the scene with the abducted victims towards the Kafin Gora axis.

The troops subsequently launched a pursuit operation, engaging the fleeing suspects in intermittent contact before successfully rescuing all three hostages unharmed.

The rescued victims were later handed over for medical evaluation and debriefing, while troops withdrew to base after securing the general area.

Security sources confirmed that the situation within the area of responsibility remains calm but unpredictable, adding that patrols and surveillance operations have been intensified to prevent further incidents.

They further noted that troop morale and combat effectiveness remain high as operations continue across vulnerable communities within the state.

Troops rescue three kidnapped victims during operation in Niger State

Continue Reading

News

Troops kill suspected Boko Haram fighter in Yobe, recover rifle, motorcycles

Published

on

Troops kill suspected Boko Haram fighter in Yobe, recover rifle, motorcycles

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have killed a suspected Boko Haram insurgent during a confrontation in Lotori-Garbiya village, Tarmuwa Local Government Area of Yobe state.

Sources said the incident occurred on April 20 at about 7:00 p.m. after gunmen suspected to be Boko Haram elements stormed the community and imposed illegal levies on residents.

According to the sources, security forces were swiftly mobilised following a distress call and engaged the attackers in a gun battle.

One of the suspected insurgents was killed during the encounter, while others reportedly fled into surrounding bushes.

The sources said an AK-47 rifle and two Kasea motorcycles were recovered at the scene.

Security authorities confirmed that the area had been placed under close surveillance, while patrols were intensified to prevent further attacks.

They added that efforts were ongoing to track down fleeing members of the group.

Troops kill suspected Boko Haram fighter in Yobe, recover rifle, motorcycles

Continue Reading

Trending

Verified by MonsterInsights