Human Rights Commission urges Borno govt to probe NGO’s activities

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Wednesday advised the Borno State government to evaluate the activities and programs of Medecins Sans Frontieres in the state.

The commission made the recommendation in a report presented to the state, which absolved the Nigerian military of complicity in the reported termination of about 10,000 pregnancies in the Northeast.

On December 7, 2022, Reuters published a report alleging that since 2013, the Nigerian military conducted a secret, systematic, and illegal abortion program in the North East, terminating at least 10,000 pregnancies among women and girls, many of whom had been kidnapped and raped by Islamist militants.

Following the Reuters publication, the NHRC set up a panel, The Special Independent Investigative Panel on Human Rights Violations in Counter-Insurgency Operations in North East, chaired by a retired Supreme Court Justice, Justice Abdul Aboki.

Speaking before presenting the report, the Senior Adviser to the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Hillary Ogbonna, said there is no evidence of illegal abortion programs terminating 10,000 pregnancies by the Nigerian military in the North East.

Ogbonna revealed that whistleblowers testified that a nongovernmental organization, Medecins Sans Frontieres, was involved in a program of abortion in the North East.

He said MSF refused to appear before the panel.

“There is evidence that MSF may have operated a program of illegal abortion in the North East.

“The panel makes this finding based on the testimony of a protected witness and whistleblower, who testified that abortions were conducted by MSF from 2014 to 2015 and continued after the replacement of one Mitchell, a Mexican woman, the head of the psychosocial support program in 2016 introduced to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Ministry of Health, Borno State,” he said.

He, therefore, said the panel recommended that the “Borno State government undertakes an evaluation of the activities and programs of the MSF in Borno State, including its Psychosocial Support Programme.”

However, Ogbonna clarified that other NGOs did not operate abortions in the North East.

He also observed that the non-appearance of the media agency, Reuters, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) raises questions as to its commitment to the values and principles it has always projected.

“The panel’s investigations and testimonies from military and civilian sources all pointed to the fact that ICRC operates medical facilities in the North East, especially in Maiduguri, contrary to the assertion by the agency.

“In the same vein, the panel notes that despite efforts inviting them to appear before the panel, Medecins Sans Frontiere (MSF) failed to honor multiple invitations,” he said.

Receiving the document, the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice of Borno State, Hauwa A. Abubakar, called on NGOs, UN agencies, and other stakeholders to join efforts to uphold human rights and dignity across the state.

She also emphasized that a unified framework for accountability and justice could offer hope to victims and serve as a model for other regions facing similar crises.

Borno Commissioner Hands Over Security Patrol Vehicle to CJTF/Vigilante of Buratai Ward in Biu LGA

The Borno State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, today handed over a Toyota Tucama Pick Up Vehicle for operational purposes to CJTF/Vigilante Local Policing Groups of Buratai Ward, in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.

The presentation of the patrol vehicle followed the gracious approval of His Excellency, Gov. Babagana Umara Zulum as part of efforts to enhance the security situation in the State.

While making the presentation to the Chairman of Biu LGA who was represented by his Personal Assistant, Abdullahi Umar, the Commissioner urged the LGA to continue to support the CJTF/Vigilante members in the LGA. He also charged the CJTF/Vigilante be dedicated towards the restoration of peace and harmony in their places of assignment.

Responding on behalf of Buratai security outfits, the leader of the CJTF in Buratai Ward, Commander Mamman thanked Borno State Government for the timely provision of the patrol vehicle and vowed to put in their best in the discharge of their responsibilities and prayed to almighty Allah to restore peace in our state and the nation as a whole.

In attendance during the presentation were Modu Alhaji Mustapha, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry and Babagana Mustapha, Director Administration and Supply.

Commends NSA, Security Agencies.

In pursuit of an all-inclusive policing strategy, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has urged citizens to engage actively in national security and development initiatives. This call aims to foster a shift towards modern policing and to promote socioeconomic and political advancement in Nigeria. The IGP further advocates for citizen volunteerism and an individualistic approach to social and security restructuring in the country.

The IGP made this call at the Force Headquarters on Tuesday while reflecting on and appraising the effectiveness of the well-coordinated operations placed for the rescue of the 20 (twenty) medical students who were kidnapped in Benue State on the 15th of August 2024, and other 7 (seven) Nigerians who had been in the captivity of the heinous criminals.

Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders, including the Police, other security agencies, and government entities at all levels, to realize the vision of a new Nigeria characterized by enhanced national security and good governance for all.

The Inspector-General of Police also emphatically appreciates the personal role and steadfastness of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, for his unalloyed support to the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies in the rescuing of our beloved children and citizens of Nigeria. The IGP acknowledges the NSA’s dedication to lending helping hand to security forces in fulfilling their constitutional responsibilities of safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerian citizens, as well as upholding law and order throughout the nation.

In the same vein, the Inspector-General of Police extends sincere gratitude to the officers affiliated with the office of the National Security Adviser, the military, and other security personnel, as well as the local community members who actively participated in the rescue operation, along with numerous similar efforts throughout the nation. Their contributions are praiseworthy and play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of Nigeria and its citizens.

The Inspector General of Police reaffirms the dedication of the Police, under his leadership, to assiduously emplace a Police Force that is professionally competent, rule-of-law compliant, service-driven, and people-friendly. The IGP assures the public of the safe rescue of all Nigerians in captivity across the country. This is our pledge, and we will ensure its fulfilment.

ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI,
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
FORCE HEADQUARTERS,
ABUJA.

27TH AUGUST, 2024