News
Nigerian Army Generals say Reuters’ report on North East military operations full of lies
As the Justice Abdu Aboki (rtd) led Special Independent Investigative Panel on Human Rights Violation in Counter Insurgency Operations in North East resumes its sitting in Abuja, Major General James Olubumi Akomolafe (rtd) and two other top military Officers on Monday said the allegations contained in the Reuters’ report were totally false.
Akomolafe, a former Commander of 21 Armored Brigade told the 7-Member panel that Reuters’ report of abortion of 10, 000 pregnancies among other human rights violations could not have been committed by a military fighting to preserve and protect the lives of citizens of the country.
Asked if such acts would have been committed without the knowledge of Commanding Officers, Gen. Akomolafe said it was not possible for any military personnel under his command to sneak out to have any business with civilians, adding that no military personnel can sneak out to render even medical service without his knowledge, as contained the report.
He said such acts were not possible considering that the Brigade Headquarters covers a vast area with a perimeter fencing that has only one functional gate as the second gate was permanently locked for Security reasons.
The former Instructor at Army Armored School told the panel that it was not possible for any soldier to leave the perimeter area because there are military policemen manning the only gate in use.
He said also that not even the people that supply the cows that were slaughtered for meat in the command every other day had access to the area because they were not allowed to go beyond the gate.
The retired Officer therefore said that Reuters’ second report of smothering, poisoning and shooting of children alleged to be fathered by members of Boko Haram sect for the purpose of stopping the regeneration of the sect members was equally false.
He pointed out that by military training, solders are not permitted to shoot carelessly but must have a definite target bearing in mind that their duties among other things include the protection of civilians especially in conflict situations.
In the same manner, he denied any involvement by soldiers, in any Sexual and Gender Based Violence pointing out that Nigeria has a professional Army that does not deviate from the normal and standard practices.
The witness who was the Officer commanding 8 Task Force Division in Monguno, Borno state told the panel that it would be insensitive on the part of the troop that relate with the civilians in the most cordial manner to suddenly turn round and unleash attacks on them in the name of fighting insurgency.
He informed the panel that he was hearing the Reuters’ report for the first time and explained that his Division then “is a special creation that is why it is called a task force, it was temporary and meant to be dissolved later so most of our cases were taken to 7 Division in Maiduguri.
” We did not attend to any civilians medically, we refer any case we have of civilians, arrested or surrendered, take Maiduguri”. he said.
“We had ambulances that take people to 7 Division in Maiduguri. We moved them from Monguno to 7 Division. We don’t hold them beyond the necessary one hour, two hours we move them to Maiduguri.
He said surrendered or captured combatants are usually taken to 7 Division detention centre.
In their separate submissions, the current Force Commander UN military mission to South Sudan, Major General Benjamin Olufemi Sawyer and Major General A.A. Nani (rtd) denied the involvement of the Nigerian Army in any of the allegations made by Reuters’.
They stressed the professional nature of the Nigerian Army saying that such improper acts as reported by Reuters are unknown to the Army.
The panel’s secretary and general counsel,Mr. Hilary Ogbonna informed the panel of additional report by Reuters’ still alleging “abortion assaults” against the military.
….The Commission wants IGP to address use of excessive force by police
The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu OFR, SAN, has strongly condemned the alleged extrajudicial killing of a 28-year-old Nigerian, Mene Ogidi, by a police officer, ASP Nuhu Usman, on April 26, 2026, in Efurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Dr. Ojukwu described the incident as “deeply disturbing and a direct assault on human dignity, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the rule of law.”
He stressed that no Nigerian should lose their life at the hands of those sworn to protect them, reiterating that every life matters and must be protected.
According to him, “the reported action of the officer involved is condemnable, unacceptable, and completely inconsistent with the principles of justice and a civilized society.”
The statement which was signed by Hajia Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, quoted Ojukwu to have expressed grave concern over the recurring incidents of excessive use of force by law enforcement officers and called on the Nigeria Police Force to take urgent and decisive steps to address the issue.
He specifically urged the police authorities to subject officers deployed on special duties to periodic mental and psychological evaluations to ensure they are fit to carry arms and engage with civilians responsibly.
Dr. Ojukwu further called for the immediate disciplinary action against ASP Nuhu Usman in line with extant laws and police regulations.
He also emphasized the need for the Nigeria Police Force to fully implement the recommendations of the Commission’s Panel on Police Brutality as a necessary step toward meaningful reform and prevention of future violations.
“The Commission demands immediate arrest and a transparent investigation into the incident, dismissal of the officer involved, and swift prosecution in accordance with the law.
We hereby call for adequate compensation and justice for the family of the victim,” he stated.
He warned that justice delayed only deepens public distrust in state institutions and undermines confidence in law enforcement.
The Executive Secretary assured that the NHRC will continue to monitor the case closely and will persist in its advocacy for accountability, justice, and the protection of the fundamental rights of all Nigerians.
“Nigeria must never normalize brutality. Justice must speak louder than silence,” he concluded.
The Supreme Court of Nigeria will on Thursday, deliver judgments in two cases involving the leadership crises rocking the African Democratic Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party.
According to information on the official website of the court, the matters, listed under “Political Appeals”, have been added to the cause list for Thursday, April 30, 2026.
While judgment in the ADC matter, marked SC/CV/180/2026, has been fixed for 2 pm, there is no time yet for that if the PDP.
President Bola Tinubu has written the Senate, seeking the screening and subsequent confirmation of fifteen nominees to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
The letter was read by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
The letter seeks the reconstitution of the commission’s board in line with statutory provisions with the list comprising nominees from diverse professional backgrounds, including the media and legal sectors.
Among the nominees are the President, Nigeria Guild of Editors and Editor, Vanguard Newspapers, Mr. Eze Anaba; and Dr. Salamatu Hussaina Suleiman, who has been proposed as chairman of the board.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Anthony Ojukwu (SAN) is to retain his position as the Chief Executive Officer.
Other nominees include Mrs Roseline Tasha, Ambassador Adam Yubak Baku, ACG Felix Lawrence, Mr. Edmund Chinonye, Mr. Chinonye Obiaku (SAN), Oluwakemi Asiwaju Okere-Odo, Professor Adedeji Ogunji, Kingsley Chidozie, Mohammed Adelodu, Maupe Ogun Yusuf, and Otunba Francis Meshioye as members.
Also nominated are Patience Patrick and Hawwa Ibrahim, listed as members.
The President said the nominations were made pursuant to Section 2(3) of the National Human Rights Commission (Establishment) Act, 2010, which empowers him to constitute the board subject to Senate confirmation.
He explained that the reconstitution of the board was necessary to enhance the commission’s institutional capacity and enable it to more effectively discharge its mandate to promote and protect human rights across the country.
If confirmed, the new board is expected to play a critical role in reinforcing the NHRC’s oversight functions, particularly at a time of heightened concerns over rights protection and accountability in Nigeria.
Following the presentation of the request, the Senate referred the nominations to its Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for screening and report within two weeks.
-
News1 year agoSenate to speed up conclusion of Nigeria Forest Security Service Bill
-
News9 months agoThe Many Lies Against Bashir Haske
-
News3 years agoBreaking: Tinubu’s authentic ministerial nominees
-
News3 years ago“Anytime we want to kill terrorists, President would ask us to take permission from France but they were killing our soldiers-” Niger Republic coup leader
-
News3 years ago“I’m leaving the Catholic church because Bishop Onah is oppressing me,” says Okunerere
-
News3 years agoRadio Nigeria’s veteran broadcaster Kelvin Ugwu dies three months after retirement from service
-
News3 years agoDokpesi and the Gazebo Mystique
-
News3 years agoTsunami: Tinubu orders dissolution of managements, boards of MDAs, to sack all Buhari’s political appointees