Army investigates cases of human rights violations in Borno

Civil-Military Legal Desk of 7 Division, Nigerian Army has investigated 39 cases of human rights violations in the North East.

According to the army, the investigations were to resolve civil cases through dispute resolution mechanism.

The Civil-Military Legal Desk Officer, Capt. I L Akoyere, disclosed this, yesterday, in Maiduguri, during a two-day community engagement on civil-military cooperation.

Participants at the engagement were drawn from the military, police, civil defense corps, the media and other stakeholders in Borno State.

The military-civilian cooperation was organised by the CLEEN Foundation.

Akoyere noted that despite the investigated 39 cases, there were 50 others still under investigation by the military.

He, therefore, urged civilians to report alleged human rights violation by military personnel to the desk.

“We’re taking all human rights violations for prompt investigation and necessary action,” he said, reiterating that the military is committed to human rights.

He added that criminal cases were being referred to the Military Court Martial, regularly held at the Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri.

As the military continues to sacrifice to build lasting peace in the region, Akoyere said: “we sought for maximum support of the public.

“CLEEN Foundation is committed to enlightenment of security agencies on human rights.”

The Borno State Police Command spokesman, ASP Sani Kamilu, said the civil-military cooperation would enhance professionalism among security agencies, including the general public.

The Programme Director of the Foundation, Salaudeen Kassim, said that the community engagement was designed to sensitise stakeholders on how to further strengthen civil-military relations in the state.

Kassim added: “We’ve opened discussions and agreed on what can be done differently so that we can strengthen the relationship.

“There will be more communication with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), which would help communities to be open for engagement.”