The Federal Government has commenced an investigation into the allegations leveled against the Nigerian military by Amnesty International.
It noted that the probe was meant to establish the truth in the allegations which it said were serious, assuring that there would be no cover-up.
AI had, in its report, accused certain retired and serving senior military officers of torture and extra-judicial killings during counter-terror operations against Boko Haram.
The government, in a statement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bulus Lolo, on Wednesday in Abuja, said due to the magnitude of the allegations, President Muhammadu Buhari, had instituted an investigation into the report.
Lolo said the government is concerned about the safety and rights of all Nigerians.
He said, “Due to the magnitude of the allegations, the President Buhari-led government is looking into the report with a view to establishing the fact of the matter. The government has, therefore, instituted an investigation and assures that there will be no cover-up.”
The permanent secretary also said the military, conscious of its constitutional mandate, had undertaken an ongoing investigation into the allegations of wrongdoing by its personnel.
Lolo said the military, in line with its training, ensured the highest level of professionalism by its officers in the conduct of its operations, noting that the armed forces had earned their well-deserved respect, internally and internationally.
In line with the State of Emergency imposed on Adamawa, Borno and Yobe, the military, he stated, had some powers, which include the authority to arrest, interrogate and detain any civilian actively involved in terrorist activities.
He said, “In Nigeria, as in other regions where terrorists have unleashed their evil acts without a scintilla of respect for morality, extreme measures are sometimes required to contain extremism. It is a well-known fact that Boko Haram respects no laws at all, including sacred religious laws that the group claims to cherish.
“We find it nonetheless very worrisome that Amnesty International has yet to comment on the horrendous, mindless and ruinous activities of Boko Haram. Indeed, the victims of Boko Haram’s despicable activities deserve justice and sympathy.”
Lolo said the government would ensure that errant military personnel were brought to book and pledged the nation’s unflinching commitment to fighting terrorism in all its forms.
The FG promised to continue working with its neighbours and its international partners to combat terrorism. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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