The government of Borno State has praised the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and a Special Independent Investigative Panel for their thorough investigation into alleged abuses within Nigeria’s counter-insurgency efforts.
The panel was set up following a December 2022 report by Reuters, which claimed that Nigerian military personnel had forced over 10,000 women affected by the Boko Haram insurgency to terminate pregnancies, with further allegations of infant killings to control Boko Haram’s influence in Northeast Nigeria.
Speaking at the report’s presentation on Monday, Borno State’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Hauwa Abubakar, acknowledged the seriousness of these allegations.
She thanked the NHRC, led by Executive Secretary Barrister Tony Ojukwu, retired Supreme Court Justice Abdu Aboki, and the panel members for their dedication to transparency.
“Receiving the findings today fills me with both gratitude and responsibility,” she said, emphasizing the report’s importance in addressing these serious allegations.
Barrister Abubakar also highlighted the leadership of Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, for prioritizing humanitarian aid and protecting the rights of displaced persons in the region.
She affirmed Borno State’s commitment to addressing immediate needs while working toward long-term stability.
The Attorney General stressed the importance of the panel’s findings in addressing Borno’s complex humanitarian challenges, particularly as military operations against insurgents continue.
“These findings are invaluable as we work to improve human rights protections and accountability,” she noted.
She outlined Borno State’s ongoing partnerships with NGOs, UN agencies, and other organizations that support healthcare, education, and secure housing for those affected by the conflict.
The government has also prioritized resilience programs to strengthen education and economic opportunities, helping to prevent future crises.
Reflecting on the panel’s recommendations, Barrister Abubakar called on federal and state institutions, including the Nigerian military, to act promptly on the panel’s proposed measures.
She underscored the need to improve conditions within IDP camps and to enhance record-keeping practices to safeguard citizens’ welfare.
In her closing remarks, she appealed to all stakeholders—including NGOs, UN agencies, and the military to join forces to restore human rights and dignity across Borno.
“Together, we can create a framework for accountability and justice that offers hope to victims and serves as a model for other regions facing similar crises,” she concluded.
The event included attendees such as Borno’s Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar; former Commissioner of Health and current Executive Secretary of the Borno State Primary Healthcare Board, Professor Muhammed Arab Alhaji; representatives of the Shehu of Borno; senior government officials; media; UN and civil society representatives; military leaders; and various community, youth, and women’s groups.
