Military Partnering NHRC to

Address Alleged Rights Violations, Says Defence Minister
Senator Iroegbu in Abuja
The Minister of Defence, Muhammad Mansur Dan-Ali, has assured international communities that the Nigerian Armed Forces is partnering the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to address the allegations of human right violations against its troops in the country.

Dan-Ali gave the assurance in New York during a high level meeting with a team from US Department of Defence led by Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for Africa, Ms Amanda Doyle.

The minister in a statement issued yesterday by his Public Relations Officer (PRO), Col. Tukur Gusau, informed the American team that Nigeria’s armed forces have taken proactive majors to address any possible human rights violations by its personnel.

“Some of the majors include establishment of human rights desks in all the formations of the Armed Forces and close collaboration with the National Human Rights Commission,” he said.

Speaking, Doyle expressed satisfaction with the success achieved in the fight against terrorism and the way human rights issues are being addressed. The Deputy Assistant Secretary also advised on the need to publicise more on the efforts of the Nigerian armed forces towards improving its human rights records.

She also assured Dan-Ali of the US’s continuous support to the Nigerian Armed Forces especially in its fight against insurgency and terrorism.