Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur BurataiThe Nigerian military said on Thursday that it was completely disassociating itself from the report of Amnesty International which claimed that some civilians died in a detention cell at Giwa Barracks.
“The accusation comes as a surprise and shock because the organisation has accessed the facilities and made recommendations which were implemented,” said a statement by Brigadier General Rabe Abubakar, the Acting Director Defence Information.
“It is rather unfortunate that an organization of higher repute such as Amnesty International could come around to release a report which is completely baseless, unfounded and source-less with the intent of denting the image of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
“We will not be deterred by this report, but would remain committed to the task we have started against the Boko Haram terrorists until they are annihilated.
“We are calling on all well meaning Nigerians and International Communities to discountenance this report as it has no iota of truth. The Nigerian Armed Forces uphold the tenets of observance of human right and dignity of lives of innocent individuals as enshrined in the Conventions and Charters of the United Nation which Nigeria is a signatory.
“This one sided report is defective in all intent and purpose and does not portray the sincerity of Amnesty International as well as reflecting the true situation in Giwa Barracks now,” he added.