The investigation conducted by the Special Independent Investigative Panel (SIIP), established by Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to examine alleged human rights violations by the Nigerian Military during its counter-insurgency efforts in the northeast, has now entered its fourth day. On this day, two additional military witnesses appeared before the panel and strongly refuted the accusations against the military.
Read Also: NHRC probes alleged involvement of Nigerian military in secret abortion programme
Brigadier Generals Haruna Garba and Tuni Isa, both senior officers in the Nigerian Army, testified that the allegations made by Reuters News Agency were completely fabricated. Both generals challenged the credibility of the report and defended the military’s actions, asserting that the claims were false and misleading.
At the hearing on Friday, May 12, Brigadier General Garba firmly rejected the accusations, stating that it would be virtually impossible for soldiers actively engaged in combat to find the time or opportunity to participate in activities such as an abortion program, as suggested in the report. He further claimed that if any such actions had occurred, they were not carried out by Nigerian military personnel but by individuals impersonating soldiers, possibly including agents of Reuters.
Brigadier General Isa echoed Garba’s sentiments, asserting that the charges were unfounded and part of a broader misinformation effort. Both men urged Reuters to demonstrate the same level of courage in reporting on the atrocities committed by insurgents, instead of focusing only on alleged abuses by the military. They emphasized that the insurgents had inflicted severe harm on civilians in the region and that media outlets should also address their crimes.
The testimony of Generals Garba and Isa adds to the ongoing debate and tension surrounding the investigation. As the inquiry progresses, further testimonies and evidence are expected, and the outcome could significantly impact the reputation of the Nigerian Military and its conduct in the northeast. The panel’s findings will be closely watched, as they may have important consequences for both the military and the broader conflict.
