Fifty cases of human rights abuses from 2020 to date in Borno State are being investigated by the 7 Division, Nigerian Army, Military Legal Desk.
The Desk Officer, Civil-Military Legal Desk of the division, Capt. I.L Akoyere, revealed this at a two-day community engagement on Civil-Military Cooperation organised by CLEEN Foundation, on Thursday in Maiduguri.
Akoyere said 37 cases, however, have been resolved, and urged civilians to report any human rights violations by military personnel to the desk for investigation and necessary action.
Akoyere said the military was committed to human rights, adding that the desk was set up to resolve civil cases using alternative dispute resolution mechanism while criminal cases were being referred for Court Martial.
He called for maximum public support to the military in appreciation of its sacrifices towards building lasting peace in the North-East region and the country at large.
The desk officer also lauded the CLEEN Foumdation for enlightening security agencies on human rights and assured support in that direction.
The police spokesperson of Borno State Command, ASP Sani Kamilu praised the foundation for the training, adding that it enhanced professionalism in security agencies.
“It also enhance cordial relationship between security personnel and the public,” he said.
The Programme Director of the Foundation, Mr Salaudeen Kassim said the training was designed to sensitise stakeholders on how to further strengthened civil-military relations in the state.
“So far so good, we have opened discussions and agreed on what can be done differently so that we can strengthen the relationship.
“After now, there will be more communication with Civil Society Organisations that will help communities to be more open for engagement,” Kassim said.
Participants drawn from the military, Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), media and other stakeholders attended the training.
