Troops have right of self-defence in combat operations — NHRC

Mr Tony Ojukwu, the Secretary, National Human Rights Commission
(NHRC) said on Thursday that troops deployed for counter insurgency
operations had the right to defend themselves against attacks by
terrorists.

Ojukwu stated this while answering questions from newsmen on the
sidelines of a two-day training exercise for military and security
personnel engaged in counter-insurgency campaign in the
northeast.

The training was to expose the troops to the observance of human
right laws and civic protection in the counter-insurgency
campaign.

Ojukwu pointed out that the law provided rights for the troops
to protect themselves in self-defence when attacked by
insurgents.

According to him, the training exercise was organized in
collaboration with the United Nations High Commissioner for
Refugees (UNHCR).

He added that the training exercise with theme: `Mainstreaming
Human Rights, Humanitarian Principles and Civilian Protection in
Counter Insurgency Operations in the Northeast’, was to check human
right violations in the execution of the war against Boko
Haram.

He said that the exercise was imperative to expose the
participants to human right laws, rules of engagement and enhance
civic protection in the implementation of the counter insurgency
campaign.

“Participants will be exposed to international human right laws,
norms and principles to enable them conduct their operations in
accordance with international best practices.

“The insurgents live within us and there is hardly a clear drawn
battle line between the insurgents and civilian population.

“Therefore, there is an extreme need to prosecute the insurgency
operations to win the heart and minds of the civilian
population.

“It underscores the importance of the training, to not only
reduce the casualty level, but also reduce humanitarian
consequences of displacement and other protection challenges
arising,” he said.

Ojukwu lauded the military and other security agencies over the
successes recorded in the counter insurgency campaign.

UNHCR’s representative, Bilkisuwa Malaika, added that the
exercise was also designed to promote experience and knowledge
sharing to build the capacity of personnel in the protection of
human right laws.

“UNHCR recognized the critical role played by security actors in
the humanitarian response, especially in ensuring that civilians
are protected at all times.

“I call on you to use the skills and knowledge acquired to serve
the people of concern in your respective areas.

“You should also know that whoever is serving humanity, is
serving God. We hope that peace returns to the region so that men
and women will return to their homes and live with dignity,” she
said.

Speaking, Brig-Gen. Bulama Biu, the Acting General Officer
Commanding (GOC), 7 Division and Commander Sector 1 Operation
Lafiya Dole, described the gesture as commendable.

Biu noted that the training exercise would go a long way to
strengthen and encourage adherence to the rules of engagement.

It will be recalled that the training programme was initiated in
2015; and being implemented annually in partnership between the
NHRC and UNHCR in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa. (NAN)

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