Update: Alleged Human Rights Violations in Counter-Insurgency Operations in North East-NHRC Presents SIIP-NE Report To AGF .Fagbemi
By Raphael Ekpang
Abuja (Core Reporters) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Tuesday presented the report of the Special Independent Investigative Panel on North East to the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN).
Recall that Reuters had alleged that the Nigerian Military conducted illegal and forced termination of 10,000 pregnancies, extrajudicial killing of children, and the violation of the rights of women through targeted attacks during counter-insurgency operations in the North-East.
While presenting the report to the AGF, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC Tony Ojukwu (SAN) said the report embodies 18 months of dedicated work in response to allegations of gross violations of human rights against the Nigerian Armed Forces reported in December 2022 by Reuters.
However, Ojukwu noted, irked by the Reuters’ report and coupled with its mandate in Sections 5 and 6 of the NHRC Act to receive complaints, investigate human rights violations in Nigeria and make appropriate determination and compensation to victims established an independent panel to conduct a thorough and unbiased investigation.
According to him, the work of the SIIP-NE reflects a major contribution by the Commission in ongoing efforts to ensure accountability and uphold human rights standards in Nigeria. “It is our further commitment to justice, transparency, and accountability to any form of human rights violation associated with conflict and insurgency.”
“The Panel’s report, in particular, its findings and recommendations offer both clarity and a call for action. They underscore the complexities and human costs of counter-insurgency operations in Nigeria’s North-East and provide a blueprint for meaningful reform. They highlight the urgent need for transparency within our security forces and the establishment of mechanisms to protect civilians.
“The NHRC is resolute in its commitment to the implementation of this report, and in particular redoubling our collective efforts towards integrating human rights principles into military and counter-insurgency operations across Nigeria. Our visit to the Honourable Attorney General and Minister for Justice is a reflection of our understanding that cross-cutting collaboration with the Ministry of Justice at both policy and prosecutorial levels is critical to the implementation of the Panel’s report,” Ojukwu said.
Ojukwu continues, “Honourable Attorney General, permit me to say that the work of the SIIP North-East and this report which we are presenting today (Tuesday, March 4, 2025) have both local and international significance. Locally, it shows that the National Human Rights Commission is truly and fully independent and plays oversight on Nigeria’s institutions, including the Armed Forces and the Law Enforcement Agencies as far as human rights is concerned. On a global scale, it is a clear indication of Nigeria’s political will to investigate cases of grave human rights violations falling under the international principles of complementarity.
“As we embark on this implementation phase, we are honoured to seek the partnership and support of the Honourable Attorney General in the policy and legal reforms recommended by the Panel as well as in ensuring accountability through prosecution of officers indicted in the killings of civilians in Abisare. This will no doubt be a testament to Nigeria’s enduring pledge to protect the rights of all Nigerians and promote a culture of accountability and reform within our institutions,”
On his part, the Chairman of the defunct SIIP-NE, Justice Abdu Aboki stated that despite the difficulties faced during the investigation which include the non-appearance of Reuters, who reported the allegations, and a lack of cooperation from certain international organizations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross and Médecins Sans Frontières—who were key to the investigations in the North-East—the Panel remained committed and carried out its mandate with the highest level of diligence, impartiality, and adherence to the principles of justice and fairness.
He said, “Our extensive investigation spanned 18 months across twenty field locations and involved the collection of 199 testimonies, along with the analysis of crucial documents and records from state hospitals and the Nigerian military.
“The report, which has been presented to the NHRC, is a product of rigorous fact-finding and presents a comprehensive account of our findings. It highlights several systemic challenges, including poor record-keeping in both state and military hospitals and the overcrowded conditions of detainees at Giwa Barracks, which is closely linked to difficulties in the prosecution of suspects detained within the facility.
“Beyond documenting our findings, this report contains critical recommendations that we believe, if implemented, will significantly enhance Nigeria’s counter-insurgency operations while upholding human rights and strengthening our criminal justice system. It is in this light that we are here today—not only to present this report to you as the Chief Law Officer of the Federation but to emphasize the need for its urgent implementation by the Federal Government, the Nigerian Military, and other relevant stakeholders.
“We strongly urge that the recommendations be given due consideration, as their implementation will not only serve justice but will also reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to human rights, accountability, and the rule of law in military operations,” Justice Aboki “rtd” said.
In his response, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) While receiving the report from the NHRc’s boss, Ojukwu expressed the federal Government’s appreciation to the NHRC for its steadfast commitment towards upholding the rights of citizens.
He noted that his office will work closely with the Commission to ensure that recommendations are judiciously implemented, while adding that the Nigerian Military operations should be conducted within the international best practice
Fagbemi added that the report will provide insights and continuous strengthening the protection and defense of the rights of citizens.
