NIGERIAN Ambassador to the United States, Professor Ade Adefuye, has alerted the international community to the numerous atrocities committed by Boko Haram terrorists using stolen uniforms of the Nigerian armed forces.
In a statement, yesterday, in reaction to allegations of abuse of human rights by the armed forces, Adefuye said it was important to examine carefully the alleged incidents and authenticate any video footage obtained by the international community.
In a statement, yesterday, in reaction to allegations of abuse of human rights by the armed forces, Adefuye said it was important to examine carefully the alleged incidents and authenticate any video footage obtained by the international community.
Professor Adefuye stated, “on September 9, 2014, the PBS Frontline programme aired a video footage that purports to document human rights violations by the Nigerian Armed Forces in parts of northern Nigeria where Boko Haram operates. The attention of the Embassy has been called to the programme.
Tenets of military discipline
“I have seen these images. They are deeply disturbing. The Government of Nigeria is committed to holding all its public servants to the highest standards, including those in the Armed forces. The alleged behaviour is contrary to everything the Nigerian Government stands for and the basic tenets of military discipline.
“Our Government is committed to upholding the human rights of all citizens including those engaged in terrorist activities. We are undertaking an intensive investigation into these reports. We will not turn a blind eye to abuse of our people’s human or civil rights.
“But we will like to call the attention of the International community to the fact that on numerous past occasions, the insurgents have staged fabricated atrocities using stolen Government uniforms. The Chibok abduction of our school girls succeeded largely because the girls thought the abductors were Nigerian soldiers because they wore Nigerian Army uniforms.
“You may recall that recently, the Nigerian Police impounded large consignment of military uniforms shipped through Nigeria/Niger Republic border. They were seized from a warehouse in Kano. Only God knows tons that are already in their possession. For this reason, it is important to examine carefully the alleged incidents and authenticate the video footage. Justice will be done once we have all the facts.
“When democracies fight terror, they must be held to a higher standard than the enemy they face. My Government welcomes scrutiny from our people and international partners. The checks and balances that come from being in the media spotlight will only benefit us all in the long run. It is worth remembering, however, that information is a powerful weapon that terrorist use with strategic effect. Al Qaeda, ISIS and now Boko Haram produce and disseminate sophisticated and compelling content with the intent of legitimising their cause, instilling fear and demonizing state actors.
“We do not claim that our counter insurgency efforts have been flawless, as is the case when any democracy confronts a terrorist insurgency. Nigeria will get this right because, as a democracy, the public will hold us accountable. Boko Haram has no such scruples and no such constraints.”
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