TheCable

The federal government does not believe that Amnesty International (AI) properly verified its report accusing soldiers of committing gross human rights abuses in its war against insurgency in north-eastern Nigeria.

According to director-general of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr Mike Omeri, who spoke to the media in Abuja on Tuesday, the federal government maintains zero-tolerance policy for violations of the rules of engagement.

“In this wise, the government has not and will not turn a blind eye to abuse of our people’s human or civil rights by anyone, including the military,” Omeri said.

“As it stands, the government does not have cause to believe that the details of these accusations have been properly verified. Although we have great respect for Amnesty International, if such allegations are to be deemed credible, the sources of the claims and their possible political motivations should and ought to be examined and carefully considered.”

He assured that justice would be done once the government is given all the facts.

“In the meantime, every soldier fighting this battle deserves our support and gratitude and not unverified accusations,” Omeri said, urging citizens to be wary of criminal gangs masquerading as Boko Haram and extorting money from unsuspecting people in the guise of offering them protection against attacks.

He also dispelled reports that the military is ill-equipped.

“We read on the social media, insinuations by some people saying that military personnel prosecuting the war against Boko Haram are being given few rounds of ammunition, expired weapons and less pay.

“If that is the case, we make bold to ask why the same military is winning the war and why the insurgents usually run away once they sight or get information that the Nigerian military is advancing towards the area.

“We have stated several times that there is no way security forces will divulge information on its operations. It is not done anywhere even in conventional war talk more of a war against terrorists where we are dealing with an enemy that lacks rules of engagement.”

The military itself earlier responded to AI’s claims of human rights violations, saying it was impossible for soldiers to be involved in the said atrocities – given their training – promised to investigate the claims.