The Borno government on Monday commended the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the Special Independent Investigative Panel for their work in probing allegations of abuse by the Nigerian military.

Initial reports by Reuters in December 2022 claimed Nigerian military personnel were involved in forced terminations of pregnancies for over 10,000 women affected by Boko Haram insurgents as well as alleged killings of infants.

The reports claim this was part of the efforts to curb Boko Haram’s influence in Northeast of Nigeria.

Speaking at the panel’s final report presentation, Borno State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Hauwa Abubakar, acknowledged the severity of the allegations against the counter-insurgency operators.

She thanked the NHRC, led by Executive Secretary Barrister Tony Ojukwu, retired Supreme Court Justice Abdu Aboki, and the panel members for their commitment to transparency.

“Receiving the findings of the Special Independent Investigative Panel today, I am filled with both gratitude and responsibility.

“This report represents a significant step toward addressing these grave allegations, and I commend the panel’s dedication in the difficult circumstances,” she said.

She highlighted the leadership of Gov. Babagana Zulum in prioritising humanitarian assistance and protecting the dignity of displaced persons in Borno.

She restated the state government’s commitment to meeting the people’s immediate needs and promoting their long-term stability.

The Attorney General emphasised the importance of the panel’s findings for understanding Borno’s complex humanitarian challenges, particularly as counter-insurgency efforts continue.

“The findings are invaluable as we work to strengthen human rights protections and ensure accountability in our state,” she said.

Abubakar said that the state’s ongoing partnerships with NGOs, UN agencies, and other organisations focused on healthcare, education, and securing shelter for those affected by conflict.

She said the government had also prioritised community resilience programmes in education and economic empowerment to help prevent future crisis.

Abubakar urged both federal and state institutions, including the Nigerian military, to act swiftly on the panel’s proposed measures.

She stressed on the need to improve conditions within IDP camps and to enhance record-keeping practices to ensure the well-being of the people.

The attorney general also called on all stakeholders, including NGOs, UN agencies, and the Nigerian military to join in efforts to restore human rights and dignity across Borno.

“Together we can establish a framework for accountability and justice that offers hope to victims and a model for other regions facing similar crises,” she said.

The event was attended by Borno’s Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar; the Executive Secretary, Borno State Primary Healthcare Board, Prof. Muhammed Arab-Alhaji; and the representatives of the Shehu of Borno.

Others included senior government officials, the media, UN and civil society organisations.

Also at the event were representatives of the military, NSCDC, DSS, medical practitioners, the NBA, CJTF, and various community, youth and women’s groups.