Chief
of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai has reassures the commitment of the
Nigerian Army in protecting the human rights of the people in their operations
in the Northeast.
Lt.
General Buratai in a statement made available to journalists in Maiduguri on
the occasion of the International Human Rights Day said the mainstreaming of human rights into
military operations in the counter-insurgency is an essential aspect of the operations in
the theatre.
The
Chief of Army equally condemned the heinous crimes perpetrated by the Boko
Haram insurgents who have claimed several lives and loss of property, paid
tribute to officers and men that have died in the defense of the rights of
innocent people.
He
said, “Last year, I issued a first-ever statement by the Nigerian Army in
commemoration of International Human Rights Day. I restated the commitment of
the Nigerian Army to the promotion and protection of Human Rights.
“On
this day, I recommit the Nigerian Army to supporting the brave officers, men
and women who are working daily to defend human dignity and advance the cause
of freedom of Nigerians across the 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital
Territory.
“I
note with regret the situation in some areas in the North Eastern States of
Nigeria where heinous acts of terrorism continue to be perpetrated by Boko
Haram terrorists. I specifically pay tribute to the officers, men and women who
have lost their lives in the pursuit of human rights for the people living in
these communities.
“While
these resurgent acts of terrorism challenge the rights that we celebrate today,
I nevertheless believe that freedom including the right to live without fear
will triumph eventually over terrorism and the Nigerian Army remains committed
to working toward that end.
“The
Nigerian Army appreciates the support and partnerships with local and
international non-governmental organizations.
“I
specifically note the support of the National Human Rights Commission. Its
human rights training programme for military personnel and its Nigerian
Military Human Rights Dialogue initiative have largely enhanced the human
rights awareness and education of our personnel.
“I
am also thankful for our partnerships with the office of the United Nations
High Commissioner for Human Rights, the International Red Cross and Crescent as
well as the Nigerian Bar Association,” Buratai said.
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