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By Madu Obi
A human rights group, the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre, RULAAC, has urged the Nigerian military to drastically reduce its militarization of the civic space and limit its role in internal security to only special circumstances.
The Executive Director of RULAAC, Okechukwu Nwanguma made the call in a presentation during the 3rd edition of the Nigerian Army Human Rights seminar held in Lagos.
The seminar, with the theme, ‘Human Rights and National Security: A strategic balance,' is in line with the Chief of Army Staff philosophy of repositioning the Nigerian Army. It attracted various civil society organizations and legal practitioners across the country.
According to Nwanguma, concerns abound, for instance, about the militarization of the Southeast, particularly numerous military checkpoints and reports of harassment, which cannot be overlooked.
He said the military’s role in internal security must be limited to special circumstances, so as to preserve its integrity and mission, while the relationship between military personnel and police must also be addressed to prevent hostility and promote accountability.
Nwanguma listed various violations tied to military operations, including discrimination, torture and gender-based violence, noting that addressing these issues, especially among vulnerable populations such as women and children, is vital in maintaining human rights standards.
Harping on the need for the military to de-emphasize reprisal attacks on the civilian population, the RULAAC boss said its repercussions could lead to collective punishment, resentment, and a cycle of violence.
“Clear limitations on human rights in military operations must be established to prevent abuse and impunity. A commitment to international conventions and accountability for violations by all parties is imperative for fostering trust and legitimacy.
It is important also to state that failure to investigate allegations of human rights violations contributes to an atmosphere of impunity, as it emboldens officers to repeat such acts,” he stated.
He advocated a multidimensional approach, including community engagement and addressing socio-economic issues, as necessary for effective mitigation of insecurity.
He urged the military understand that addressing the gaps is essential for restoring public trust, building partnerships, and ensuring the legitimacy of military actions which are essential for effectiveness in realizing the operational objectives of the army.
In his speech, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja noted that the approach of the Nigerian Army towards human rights abuses and civilian protection in conflict areas is taking a center stage.
Lagbaja, who was represented by the General Officer Commanding the 81 Division, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, said the new approach of the Force is to strengthen the non-kinetic approaches to military operations, assuring that the Nigerian Army was trained to conduct operations in line with humanitarian laws and authorized rules of engagement.
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