Jutha Gupah, Maiduguri
June 5, 2023.
The Civil-Military legal desk of the 7 Division, Nigerian Army has investigated 39 cases of human rights violations in the Northeast.
According to the Army, the investigations, were to resolve civil cases through dispute resolution mechanism.
The Civil-Military legal desk officer, Capt. I L Akoyere, disclosed this yesterday (Monday), in Maiduguri, during a two-day community engagement on civil-military cooperation.
The participants at the engagement, were drawn from the Military, Police, Civil Defense Corps, the media and other stakeholders in Borno state.
The military-civilian cooperation, was organised by the CLEEN Foundation.
He noted that despite the investigated 39 cases, there are 50 other cases still under investigation by the military.
He, therefore, urged the civilians to report the alleged human rights violation by the military personnel to the desk.
“We’re taking all the human rights violations for prompt investigation and necessary action,” he said, reiterating that the military is committed to human rights.
He added that criminal cases, were being referred to the Military Court Martial regularly held at the Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri.
“We sought for maximum support of the public to the military,” he said, as the military continue to sacrifice to build a lasting peace in the region.
While commending the CLEEN Foundation, he said: “It’s committed towards the enlightenment of security agencies on human rights.”
The Borno State police command Spokesman, Assistant Superintend of Police (ASP), Sani Kamilu said the civil-military cooperation will enhance professionalism among the security agencies, including the general public.
The Programme Director of the Foundation, Salaudeen Kassim said that the community engagement was designed to sensitize stakeholders on how to further strengthen civil-military relations in the state.
Besides, he added: “We’ve opened discussions and agreed on what can be done differently so that we can strengthen the relationship.
“There will be more communication with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) that will help communities to be open for engagement.”
End.
