Amnesty International claims over 10,000 civilians have died in Nigerian army custody. This figure emerged as the rights organization presented its findings on Thursday about human rights abuses during the Boko Haram conflict.
The report detailed systemic abuses by Nigerian forces, including extrajudicial killings and torture. According to Malam Isa Sunusi, the Country Director for Amnesty International Nigeria, at least 10,000 civilians have perished while under military custody since the beginning of the conflict.
These deaths allegedly occurred while the authorities detained some suspects, ostensibly to prevent Boko Haram insurgency. It suggested the government must be held accountable for these deaths.
The report accused government forces of “intentional attacks against the civilian population; indiscriminate attacks that have killed or injured civilians.” It also talked about “the war crime of murder; torture; cruel treatment; rape; and sexual violence.”
Call for justice amid human rights abuses
The organization has reportedly filed a case at the International Court of Justice in The Hague. The aim is to address the alleged crimes against humanity committed by the Nigerian military in the conflict.
SAnusi said they discovered a pattern of war crimes. It included murder, torture, enforced disappearances, and sexual violence. Amnesty believes that Nigerian military forces deliberately attacked civilian populations, violating international humanitarian law.
While focusing on military abuses, the report also condemned Boko Haram’s brutal activities. Boko Haram has carried out mass killings, abductions, and attacks on schools. The group’s ideologies, which oppose “Western education,” have led to widespread violence, particularly targeting women and children.
Amnesty also reported that Boko Haram used children as soldiers and sex slaves. “Boko Haram has waged an organized campaign of terror against the civilian population,” Sunusi stated. “Their violations include forced recruitment, sexual violence, and indiscriminate attacks.”
Double victims of abuse
Sunusi’s comments also touched on the suffering of women and girls caught in the conflict. Many girls abducted by Boko Haram were forced into sexual slavery and subjected to violence. Upon escaping, these survivors often faced further mistreatment at the hands of the military.
“We have documented numerous cases where these girls were subjected to arbitrary detention and neglect,” Sunusi said. “The Nigerian government’s rehabilitation efforts have not adequately addressed the specific needs of these survivors.”
The situation for female survivors, he added, is always dire. Many girls who escaped Boko Haram’s captivity returned only to be stigmatized by their communities. They often face rejection and lack access to healthcare and education.
Sunusi emphasized the need for comprehensive rehabilitation programs. “These girls have endured unimaginable suffering. They deserve to rebuild their lives,” he stressed.
Amnesty International has therefore called on the Nigerian authorities to investigate the human rights abuses committed by both Boko Haram and military personnel.
Lawyers, social commentators react
Legal experts and social commentators have reacted strongly to Amnesty’s findings. Barrister Funmi Akinyemi, stated, “These revelations should be a wake-up call to the Nigerian government. If justice is not served, the country risks further deepening its human rights violations.”
Human rights activists also stressed the urgency of addressing the impact of these abuses. Social commentator Kunle Adewale remarked, “If true, this could be a humanitarian crisis of unimaginable proportions. The international community must step in to hold the government accountable.”
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