The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, has lamented the huge socio-economic cost of Boko Haram terrorism on Nigeria, saying the army has also suffered “tragic human loss.”
Buratai said this on Sunday in his remarks to mark the International Human Rights Day, noting that the insurgency jeopardised the peace and security of a number of states, the rights to life and the liberty of the people.
The army chief stated that the military believed that human rights were essential components of the combat operations, adding that the army affirmed its commitment to the “protection and advancement of human rights and fundamental freedom.”
Buratai said, “Terrorism has a very real and direct impact on human rights with devastating consequences on the enjoyment of the right to life, liberty and physical integrity of victims.
“These acts of terrorism jeopardised peace and security in a number of states. It also threatened social and economic development. All of these also have a real impact on the enjoyment of human rights.
“The human and economic costs of the acts of terrorism and insurgency have been felt in virtually every nook and cranny of Nigeria. The army has itself suffered tragic human loss as a result of violent terrorists’ acts.”
The army chief added, “Our rules of engagement and code of conduct affirm human rights as core values. We are committed to adopting measures that ensure respect for human rights as the basis of our civil-military relationship.
“We have developed strong partnerships with the office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the International Committee of the Red Cross as well as the Nigerian Bar Association.
“The need for the establishment of a human rights office came with the increasing interest of human rights organisations in the army’s ongoing military operations. The army embraces the idea and we will continue to do our part to spread awareness and support for human rights.”
The United Nations commemorates the Human Rights Day on December 10 since 1948, when the UN General Assembly adopted the universal declaration of human rights.
