War on Terror: NHRC Insists Protection of Civilians Must Be Top Priority

By: Michael Mike

The National Human Rights Commission has issued a strongly worded response to the recent surge in terrorist violence across Nigeria, warning that the country risks deepening insecurity if the protection of civilians is not made the central pillar of national security strategy.

In a statement released by its Executive Secretary, Tony Ojukwu, the Commission conveyed condolences to the Nigerian Armed Forces and to governments and citizens of states hardest hit by the attacks, including Borno State, Niger State, Benue State, Kaduna State, Kwara State, Sokoto State, and Plateau State.

The Commission said it is “deeply concerned” about the increasing frequency, coordination, and geographic spread of attacks, noting that both military formations and civilian targets—including markets, places of worship, and public institutions—have come under sustained assault. Particular concern was raised over coordinated attacks on military bases in the North-East, especially in Borno, and suicide bombings in civilian areas such as Maiduguri.

Ojukwu described the pattern of violence as a “grave and systematic assault” on fundamental rights, including the right to life, dignity, and personal security, as enshrined in Nigeria’s Constitution and international obligations like the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. He stressed that deliberate attacks on civilians and security personnel by non-state armed groups constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law.

Beyond condemnation, the NHRC raised alarm over what it described as an evolving and more dangerous phase of insecurity—marked by coordinated military assaults, mass village raids, suicide bombings, and a widening spread from the North-East into the North-West and North-Central regions.

While acknowledging the sacrifices of the military, the Commission argued that Nigeria must confront a critical gap in its security architecture. “The protection of civilians cannot remain incidental to security operations—it must be their central objective,” Ojukwu said.

To address this, the Commission called for the urgent development and implementation of a comprehensive national policy focused on civilian protection. It said such a framework must place human rights at the core of all security responses, prioritise the prevention of harm in vulnerable communities, enforce accountability for violations by both state and non-state actors, and provide effective support systems for victims and survivors.

The proposed policy, according to the NHRC, should also ensure strict adherence by security forces to the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution in military operations, while strengthening early warning systems and community engagement in high-risk areas.

Ojukwu emphasized that civilians must not be treated as “collateral damage” but as rights-holders whose protection and dignity are non-negotiable. He added that a human rights-based approach to national security is not a sign of weakness but a legal and strategic necessity.

“Global evidence shows that sustainable peace can only be achieved where the state consistently protects the rights of its people,” he noted.

The Commission reaffirmed its solidarity with affected communities and security forces, pledging continued collaboration with the Federal Government, state authorities, and civil society to ensure that Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts reinforce, rather than erode, democratic and human rights principles.

War on Terror: NHRC Insists Protection of Civilians Must Be Top Priority

Troops recover pistol, arrest two suspects in Plateau

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops under Operation OPEP have arrested two suspects in possession of a pistol during a stop-and-search operation in Kuru, Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau.

Security sources said the incident occurred at about 8:30 p.m. on April 11 while troops of Sector 6 OPEP were conducting routine checks in the area.

According to the sources, the suspects were intercepted with one pistol loaded with four rounds of 9mm ammunition, two mobile phones, a jackknife and the sum of N1,700.

The sources added that the suspects are currently in custody and undergoing interrogation to determine the source of the weapon and possible links to criminal networks.

Troops recover pistol, arrest two suspects in Plateau

Troops recover three kidnapped victims in Bauchi

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of CSI Battalion have recovered three kidnapped victims during a patrol operation in Garin Bagobiri, Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

Security sources said the operation was conducted at about 11:30 a.m. on April 12 as troops exploited the general area following an air strike on suspected terrorist hideouts on April 10.

According to the sources, the victims were recovered during the patrol and subsequently profiled by the troops.

They added that the rescued persons were handed over to an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in Futuk for further care and documentation.

The sources noted that ongoing operations in the area are aimed at consolidating gains from recent offensives and denying terrorists freedom of movement.

Troops recover three kidnapped victims in Bauchi