The human rights organization's claims are based on 126 interviews conducted between 2019 and 2024 with female former captives.
According to Amnesty's report, 31 interviewees stated they were unlawfully held in military barracks for periods ranging from several days to as long as four years between 2015 and mid-2023, due to their real or perceived association with Boko Haram.
"The Nigerian government has failed to uphold their human rights obligations to protect and adequately support these girls and young women," said Samira Daoud, Amnesty International’s regional director for West and Central Africa, in the report.
The Nigerian military, however, has categorically denied these allegations. In a statement released during a conference on Monday, the Defence Headquarters reaffirmed its commitment to upholding international humanitarian law and human rights principles.
Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, stated, "The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) operates within the bounds of the law of armed conflict and has a robust military justice system to address any proven cases of misconduct."
Buba emphasized that the AFN is a professional force adhering to the humanitarian law and principles governing human rights. He encouraged organizations like Amnesty International to substantiate their allegations through established channels rather than resorting to public statements.
"There are standing court martials to treat any form of misbehavior by erring personnel, especially those that portray the military negatively to the general populace," Buba added. He highlighted the military's zero-tolerance policy for indiscipline and improper conduct under the leadership of General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff.
Buba also noted that the military remains focused on its objective of defeating terrorism and will not be deterred by statements aimed at dampening the morale of troops in operational theatres. He assured that the AFN will engage constructively with Amnesty International and continue to conduct operations diligently to protect the nation.
The Nigerian military has been engaged in an armed battle with Boko Haram for over a decade in the nation’s Northeast, a conflict that the U.N. estimates has claimed more than 35,000 lives. The insurgency has also involved the abduction of hundreds of girls, some of whom have managed to escape or have been returned through negotiations with the federal government. (ILKHA)
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