Boko Haram: FG Commences Probe Of Amnesty Report On Military

The federal government has constituted an investigation into the allegations levelled against the Nigerian military by the Amnesty International.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday, signed by the permanent secretary, Amb. Bulus Lolo, and made available to newsmen in Abuja, he described the Amnesty International report as “serious allegations levelled against the military.”

He said that the federal government was deeply concerned about the rights and the safety of all Nigerians adding that, “it will ensure that the culprits are brought to book.

“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 and has, therefore, instituted an investigation and assures that there will be no cover-up,’’he said.

The permanent secretary also said that the military, conscious of its constitutional mandate, had undertaken an on-going 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. He pointed out that the Nigerian military operations, both internally and internationally, had earned it well-deserved respect.
The permanent secretary, however, said that the state of emergency imposed on the three states worst-hit by Boko Haram, namely Adamawa, Borno and Yobe,empowered the military to arrest, interrogate and detain any civilian actively involved in terrorist activities.

“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,” he said arguing that “indeed, the victims of Boko Haram’s despicable activities deserve justice and sympathy.

“In the meantime, the Government of Nigeria reaffirms its unflinching commitment to fighting terrorism in all its forms.

“In this regard,Nigeria will continue to work and count on the support of its neighbours, as well as its international partners,’’ he added.