The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has strongly criticized the Nigerian military’s invitation to Amnesty International to provide evidence supporting its claim of 10,000 civilian deaths in military detention.
HURIWA described the military’s actions as unconstitutional and a possible infringement on the nation’s democratic principles.
The controversy erupted following a December 5, 2024, press conference by Amnesty International in Maiduguri, where the organization alleged that over 10,000 civilians had died in military custody since the onset of the Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria’s North East.
Major-General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, responded by dismissing the claims as “malicious” and “unfounded.”
He emphasized that the military complies with international humanitarian laws and pointed to the existence of court martials for addressing any misconduct by personnel.
Despite this, the military extended an invitation to Amnesty International to substantiate its allegations.
HURIWA has condemned this move, arguing that the military is not constitutionally empowered to act as a judicial body or demand evidence from a non-governmental organization like Amnesty International.
HURIWA contended that such actions could undermine democratic governance and civil liberties.
“The military’s invitation is unconstitutional, as the armed forces do not have the legal authority to authenticate claims or conduct investigations,” the group stated.
The rights group further emphasized that grievances should be addressed through appropriate judicial channels, as Nigeria operates within a constitutional democracy that requires all institutions to act within their legal boundaries.
HURIWA raised concerns that the military’s actions could intimidate civil society organizations and deter them from holding the government accountable.
“Amnesty International plays a critical role in exposing human rights abuses, and this invitation could create a chilling effect on such vital work,” HURIWA warned.
The group has called on the federal government to set up an independent commission to investigate the claims made by Amnesty International and similar allegations.
It urged the military to cooperate fully with any such inquiry, demonstrating its commitment to transparency, human rights, and the rule of law.
In conclusion, HURIWA reiterated the importance of upholding democratic principles and stressed that national security should never come at the cost of suppressing civil rights or intimidating human rights defenders.
The organization pledged to resist any actions that threaten democratic values and the protection of human rights.
