"War Crimes": Amnesty International Alleges Number of Nigerians Who Died in Military Detention

• Amnesty International has accused the Nigerian military of over 10,000 deaths in custody since the Boko Haram insurgency began
• The organisation claims these abuses, including civilian attacks, and extrajudicial executions, among others were systematic and deliberately targeted civilians
• Amnesty’s report also condemns Boko Haram for atrocities such as mass killings, abductions, and attacks on schools

Amnesty International has accused the Nigerian military of responsibility for over 10,000 deaths in custody since the Boko Haram insurgency began in the North-East.

Amnesty's country director, Isa Sanusi, made this revelation during a press briefing on Thursday, December 5.

Furthermore, Amnesty International announced that it has filed a case with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, alleging crimes against humanity.

“The Nigerian military has frequently treated anyone from areas controlled by Boko Haram as suspected members of the group,” Sanusi remarked.

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Nigerian military accused of systematic abuse

Sanusi outlined war crimes committed by government forces, including civilian attacks, extrajudicial executions, torture, and enforced disappearances, Vanguard reported.

Amnesty’s findings suggest these actions could constitute crimes against humanity, including murder, extermination, imprisonment, and gender-based persecution.

“The evidence shows that these abuses were systematic and targeted civilians,” he added.

Amnesty International speaks against Boko Haram's atrocities

The organization’s report also criticized Boko Haram for its atrocities, including mass killings, abductions, and attacks on schools.

The Punch reported that these actions were described as deliberate efforts to deter education, particularly for girls.

“Boko Haram has carried out widespread abductions, particularly of girls and young women, and has attacked schools to prevent what it deems ‘Western’ education,” the report stated.

The 144-page report underscores the urgent need for accountability on all sides of the conflict.

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Amnesty International reacts to Sokoto killings

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that with the growing concerns over the killing of many Nigerians especially the recent attack on travels in Sokoto, Amnesty International has said that tasks issued to security operatives by the president have not changed anything.

Amnesty International in a statement condemned the killing of Nigerians and the gruesome murder of travellers along the Gidan-Bawa road in Sokoto state.

Source: Legit.ng