DHQ challenges Amnesty International to provide evidence for claims of civilian torture and 10,000 deaths in military custody.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has challenged Amnesty International to present evidence supporting its claims that civilians were tortured in military custody in the northeast. Amnesty International alleged that over 10,000 individuals have died in military detention since the Boko Haram insurgency began, and it announced filing a case with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) accusing Nigeria of crimes against humanity.

In response, Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, dismissed the accusations as baseless and "mischievous." He emphasized that the military adheres to rules of engagement and hands over suspects to appropriate agencies for prosecution or release after profiling. Buba stated: “The Defence Headquarters has noted spurious allegations made by Amnesty International during a press conference on December 5, 2024. The claim that over 10,000 civilians have died in military detention facilities since the start of the Boko Haram insurgency lacks merit and is mischievous, especially at this critical stage of the counterterrorism war.”

He highlighted the military’s efforts to avoid civilian harm and stressed the presence of standing court-martials to address misconduct among personnel. Buba reiterated the professionalism of the armed forces under General Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff, and invited Amnesty International to provide evidence for its allegations, assuring that such claims would be thoroughly investigated.