The Federal Government has assured Nigerians and the international community of its readiness to establish an implementation committee to review the report of the Special Independent Investigative Panel on Human Rights Violations in Counter-Insurgency Operations in the North East (SIIP NORTH-EAST).
The government further stated that the committee will also be saddled with the responsibility of developing appropriate recommendations for execution to ensure the promotion, protection and enforcement of human rights in Nigeria in line with the provisions of the law.
The Honourable Attorney General of the Federation (HAGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN made this disclosure when the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu, OFR, SAN, submitted the report of the Panel to the Minister in the company of the Chairman of the SIIP NORTH-EAST, Justice Abdu Aboki (rtd), Members of the Panel and Directors of the NHRC.
The Attorney General reaffirmed the federal government's commitment to maintaining the delicate balance between national security and human rights and enhancing "our legal and institutional frameworks to ensure that the rights of all citizens are protected while addressing security threats".
According to the Chief Law Officer of the Federation, "the Nigerian government remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding human rights, the rule of law, and the principles of justice, even as we confront the grave challenge of insurgency in the North East".
The legal luminary observed that Nigerian armed forces have fought valiantly and professionally to restore peace and security, and the government has continuously strengthened mechanisms to ensure that military operations are conducted with the highest regard for human rights and international humanitarian law.
"Following allegations made by Reuters in 2022 regarding human rights violations during counter-insurgency operations including claims of forced abortions, extrajudicial killings, and sexual and gender-based violence, the Nigerian government took immediate steps to investigate these serious accusations", the Minister said.
Besides, he noted that it was in recognition of the importance of transparency, accountability, and adherence to Nigeria's obligations under international law that the government, through the National Human Rights Commission, constituted this Special Independent Investigative Panel to thoroughly examine the claims. "This decisive action highlights our commitment to due process and the protection of human rights within our security framework", he added.
He further stated that the findings of the Panel chaired by the retired Supreme Court Justice will provide significant insights to further strengthen policies and operational frameworks, pointing out that the government is keenly aware of the evolving challenges in integrating human rights principles into security operations.
Also, the Honorable Minister said that the report of the Panel would serve as an important tool in refining existing protocols, addressing any identified gaps, and ensuring continued compliance with human rights standards and contribute to enhancing the effectiveness of the nation's armed forces.
In his statement during the presentation of the report, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu OFR, SAN told the Honorable Minister that "the work of the Panel reflects a major contribution by the National Human Rights Commission in on-going efforts to ensure accountability to any form of human rights violations associated with conflict in insurgency".
"The panel's report, in particular its findings and recommendations offer both clarity and a call to action. They underscore the complexities and human costs of counter-insurgency operations in the North East" and the need for a blueprint for meaningful reform.
Similarly, in his speech at the occasion, the Chairman of the SIIP NORTH-EAST, Honourable Justice Abdu Aboki (rtd) stated that "despite the difficulties faced, including the non-appearance of Reuters, who reported the allegations and lack of cooperation from certain international organizations including the International Committee of the Red Cross and Medecins Sans Frontieres - who were key to our investigations in the North East - the Panel remained committed and carried out its mandate with the highest level of diligence, impartiality, and adherence to principles of justice and fairness".
