The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has inaugurated a Panel to investigate violations of human rights during counter-insurgency operations in the North-East.
The Special Independent Investigative Panel on Human Rights Violations in Counter-Insurgency Operations in the North-East was set up following allegations of human rights violations by the Nigerian military, published by an International Media group, Reuters.
The Executive Secretary, NHRC, Chief Tony Ojukwu, while inaugurating the panel in Abuja, charged members to work hard with all the resources at their disposal to investigate and unravel the truth behind the allegations and ensure that justice is done.
Chief Ojukwu also urged the panel to ensure the culpability of individuals or institutions involved as well as the compensation payable in relation to any violation of human rights.
The Chairman of the Panel an retired Supreme Court Justice, Abdu Aboki assured Nigerians of the Panel’s commitment to deliver on the tasks assigned to it.
Reuters had in their publication, last December, accused the Nigerian Military of running a “systematic and illegal abortions program” in the Northeastern part of the country.
Reporting by Tanimu Salihu; Editing by Oluwaseyi Ajibade and Tony Okerafor