Defence Chief hails outcome of probe on alleged abortion cases in North East

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa has hailed the Special Independent Investigative Panel on Human Rights Violations in Counter Insurgency in the North East for exonerating the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and Reuters alleged that the Nigerian armed forces were carrying out forceful abortions and other infractions in the North East.

The report of the panel specifically stated that the allegations of systematic abortions, torture, rape, and extrajudicial killings levelled against the AFN were false.

According to Defence spokesman, Brig. General Tukur Gusau, “The CDS therefore commends the 7- man panel led by Justice Abdu Aboki (rtd) for painstakingly carrying out a thorough job since its inauguration in March 2023 by the Nigerian Human Rights Commission.

“General Musa wishes to seize this opportunity to reaffirm the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to the defence of human rights and resolve to ensure peace reign in the country.

“No amount of false accusations will distract the AFN from exercising its constitutional mandate of protecting the territorial integrity of the nation.