Amnesty: It’s good that army has decided to probe abuse of human rights

Amnesty International has commended the army for setting up a panel of inquiry to look into alleged human rights violation by its officers.

Tukur Buratai, chief of army staff, who established the panel, mandated it to investigate all allegations of extra-judicial execution, arbitrary arrests, detention as well as enforced disappearance of Boko Haram insurgents.

In a statement, Makmid Kamara, Amnesty International Nigeria’s interim director, said the step by the army is not only encouraging, but shows willingness to bring those responsible for such violations to book.

Kamara recommended the prosecution of all those found guilty, and suggested that they should be tried before civilian courts without recourse to the death penalty.

“This commitment from the Nigerian army to investigate human rights violations carried out by military personnel is encouraging,” the statement read.

“With our research showing that members of the Nigerian security forces continue to commit serious violations including extra-judicial executions, enforced disappearances, torture and other ill-treatment, such an investigation is sorely needed.

“The military’s announcement indicates its willingness to bring those responsible for such violations to account, and deliver justice for the many victims.

“While this is clearly a positive step, Amnesty International repeats its long-standing recommendation that any inquiry into human rights violations by the Nigerian army should be independent of the military, impartial and thorough, and its findings made public.”

Amnesty International has consistently accused the army and other security agencies of human rights violation.