Amnesty International, a global advocate for human rights, has reported that over 10,000 civilians in Nigeria have died while in military custody since the onset of the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East.
During a press briefing on Thursday, Amnesty’s Country Director, Malam Isa Sanusi, called for the Nigerian government to ensure justice for victims of both Boko Haram and military abuses. Sanusi emphasized that achieving justice could expedite the resolution of the ongoing conflict in the region.
Justice and Accountability
Sanusi revealed that Amnesty International has filed a case with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, detailing alleged crimes against humanity in the conflict-affected areas. The organization’s findings include extensive evidence of abuses committed by Nigerian military forces. These include attacks on civilians, indiscriminate bombings, extrajudicial executions, torture, and sexual violence. Amnesty also alleged that military personnel might have committed crimes against humanity, such as enforced disappearances and gender-based persecution.
“Amnesty International has documented war crimes by government forces, including intentional attacks on civilian populations, indiscriminate bombings, torture, and sexual violence,” Sanusi stated. He further noted that their 2015 report concluded that the Nigerian military likely had a systematic policy targeting civilian populations, resulting in widespread abuses.
Boko Haram’s Atrocities
The report also highlighted Boko Haram’s heinous crimes, which include mass killings, abductions, and attacks on schools aimed at halting education, particularly for girls. Boko Haram’s ideology of rejecting “Western education” has led to the recruitment of children as soldiers and their exploitation as sex slaves.
“Boko Haram has committed war crimes, including murder, attacks on civilians, and the use of child soldiers. These acts are part of a systematic and widespread policy to target civilian populations,” Sanusi explained. The insurgents’ brutal tactics have devastated communities and left lasting scars on survivors.
Survivors’ Plight
Sanusi shed light on the mistreatment of women and girls who escaped Boko Haram captivity. Many of these survivors faced further abuse, including arbitrary detention and neglect, upon returning to areas controlled by the Nigerian military.
“The girls who escaped Boko Haram endured horrific abuses and were often subjected to additional mistreatment by the authorities. Many were forced into sexual slavery, with some becoming pregnant by their captors,” he said. Sanusi also noted the lack of rehabilitation programs for these women, adding that survivors often face stigma and rejection from their families and communities.
Amnesty’s research revealed that survivors continue to face significant barriers to rebuilding their lives, including health complications, limited access to education, and persistent societal stigma.
Call to Action
Sanusi urged the Nigerian government to prioritize the recovery and reintegration of these survivors, as well as to ensure justice for the atrocities committed.
“The government must take responsibility for addressing the physical and psychological recovery of survivors. This includes uniting families and holding perpetrators accountable,” he stated. Sanusi also emphasized the importance of adhering to international conventions protecting children and victims of conflict.
Amnesty International continues to advocate for justice and accountability, calling on the Nigerian government to investigate and prosecute those responsible for these grave violations.
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