Nigerian Army Respect For Human Rights Is Sacrosanct – General Rogers

Speaking further during the meeting with the UN envoy, the Theatre commander pointed out that though the operations in the north east are asymmetrical in nature, there are mechanisms in place to guide troops’ conduct in their host communities as well as, Rules of Engagement for the execution of their operational mandate. He added that the hierarchy of the military has zero tolerance for violation of any of these provisions, hence the establishment of a standing Military Court Marshall to try erring personnel.

General Nicholas also disclosed during the interaction that suspects are arrested in the theatre when they are found to have participated directly in acts of terrorism or acted to aid and abet acts tantamount to terrorism.
He noted that the Boko Haram terrorists in custody are pending prosecution which he stated is not within the mandate of the military. He called on the prosecuting agencies and the Nigerian Judicial system to expedite action on the trial of the suspects to sieve out those acquitted from the convicted. Gen Nicholas also revealed that Boko Haram Terrorist suspects who voluntarily surrendered to troops and are still in custody are currently being processed for onward transfer to Operation Safe Corridor, where they will undergo deradecalization and rehabilitation program. He assured the UN Adviser of unfettered access to the seatings and proceedings of the Military Court Marshall in the theatre, when the court resumes shortly.

In his comments during the meeting, Dr Martin Ejidike, who said he was in the theatre to deliberate on pertinent issues bothering on Human Rights protection, stated further that it was crucial to meet with the Theatre Commander to acquaint the Theatre Command with the developments on the establishment of a UN Human Rights office in the theatre. He added, that the move is also aimed at ensuring that the conduct of ongoing Counter terrorism and Counter insurgency operations in the north east are consistent with Human Rights provisions in Nigeria.