Boko Haram: Human rights abuse against security exaggerated – Jonathan

Boko Haram: Human rights abuse against security exaggerated – Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan has described as exaggeration some of the allegations of human rights abuse levelled against security operatives during operations.
This is even as he called for a review of the use of military fatigue uniforms as well as the social media, urging all to be weary of Nigerian soldiers in peace operations, adding that they too need to be protected at all times.
The President stated this at at an international workshop on civil-military cooperation, with the theme: “Civil-Military Cooperation for Effective Internal Security Operations,” at the National Defence College, Abuja, yesterday.
He noted that there must be a cordial relationship between the civilians and security operatives as the war on terror rages on.
The President who said he was in no way making excuses for any excesses of the military operatives while on operations, urged them to maintain international best practices, suing for full support for the military:
“The Nigeria military and security forces have had a long history of involvement in internal security operations globally. However the current spate of insurgency throws up fresh and distinct challenges for our security forces.
“Today’s counter insurgency operations represent complex and unpredictable battles against enemies, often concealed within civilian populations. It is therefore logical that the support of the populace is critical to the success of these operations.
“Counter insurgency operations in most countries facing challenges of terrorism, call for extensive cooperation between the civilian populace and the security agencies. Therefore, improving on civil-military cooperation must be a matter of priority and urgency, for the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies, for enhanced humane security operations towards the attainment of national and international security objectives.
“Indeed, cordial civil-military relations have become a norm of professionalism worldwide, in developing, as well as in developed nations. In Nigeria, the study of civil-military relations in recent times is no longer the concern of only scholars and security forces, but indeed for government as well as the general public.
“Following the inception of democratic rule in 1999, the long period of military rule necessitated efforts at improved civil–military relations, and the re-professionalization of the Nigerian Armed Forces. Over time, the issue of professionalism and civil-military relations has become so important to the government and the military, that special departments now exist in the military for the study and promotion of civil-military relations.”
Jonathan said his administration takes very seriously, reports from some international organisations about perceived human rights abuses by the security forces during military operations. According to him, findings have generally shown that these reports are, in the main, exaggerated:
“However, we will do everything in our powers to ensure that the rights of our citizens as enshrined in our constitution are respected. We want to appeal to the human rights community for broader cooperation, and deeper understanding of the circumstances that we face and for greater appreciation of the efforts put in place for improved civil-military relationship, as exemplified by this workshop.
“We will continue to provide the best of training and acquire appropriate equipment to enable them defend our nation and all members of humanity in our country.”
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mohammed Sambo Dasuki, earlier said the theme has been carefully selected in collaboration with the EU, aimed at raising the level of compliance to international best practices.
He said it was timely considering the allegations against the military on their poor human rights record
Chairman at the occasion and former Head of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, said the armed forces and other security forces take human rights seriously, hence the need to focus on the modalities during internal security operations.
He said the cross fertilization of ideas would generate ideas that would improve on the record. He commended the President for his efforts in dealing with insecurity in the land and urged him not to be tired.
Head of delegation of the EU, Micheal Aaron, said counter terrorism matters take center stage in the EU activities.
He said the workshop would be a land mark in the effort to support Nigeria, adding that the human right component was also relevant as security agents fight in civil population areas.