DHQ to Amnesty: Nigerian military has zero tolerance for indiscipline, improper conduct

The Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters, DHQ has reacted to a report by Amnesty International, insisting that it runs ” a professional military force that operates within the ambit of International law of armed conflict. Additionally, the AFN adheres to humanitarian law and principles governing human rights.”

A statement signed by Major General Edward Buba, Director, Defence Media Operations, Monday also said, the Nigerian military “has zero tolerance for indiscipline and any form of improper conduct during operations”

The statement reads: “The attention of the Defence Headquarters has been drawn to allegations labelled against the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) by Report of Amnesty International launched during a Press Conference in Abuja on 10
June 2024. Accordingly, the AFN hereby makes it unequivocally clear that, it is a professional military force that operates within the ambit of International law of armed conflict. Additionally, the AFN adheres to humanitarian law and principles governing human rights.

“Furthermore, the AFN elects not to join words with organisations such as Amnesty International, rather would encourage them to approach the military high command to substantiate their allegations. The military has self regulating mechanisms with which it administers the military justice system to address any proven case of misconduct of personnel.

“It is worthy of note to state that, the AFN led by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa OFR, has zero tolerance for indiscipline and any form of improper conduct during operations across the country. It is for this reason that, there are standing court martials to treat any form of misbehaviour by erring personnel, especially those that portray the military negatively to the general populace.

“Lastly, the AFN will remain focussed on its objective. We will be unperturbed by such self serving statements targeted at dampening the moral of troops in operational theatres. Rather, we will engage constructively with Amnesty International, where available. Overall, we will continue on the trajectory of conducting operations assiduously to defeat terrorism in our nation.”