The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has criticized the Nigerian military’s invitation to Amnesty International to substantiate claims of 10,000 civilian deaths in military detention. HURIWA deemed the action unconstitutional and warned against suppressing civil rights or bypassing legal avenues.
Amnesty International had alleged during a press conference in Maiduguri that over 10,000 civilians had died in military detention since the Boko Haram insurgency began. Through Major-General Edward Buba, the military dismissed these allegations as “malicious” and demanded evidence from Amnesty International. HURIWA argued that such an invitation oversteps the military’s role, emphasizing that grievances should be addressed through the courts rather than self-help mechanisms.
The group cautioned that this action risks intimidating civil society organizations and suppressing legitimate criticism, which could undermine Nigeria’s democratic principles. HURIWA called for an independent commission of inquiry into Amnesty’s claims, urging transparency and adherence to the rule of law.
READ ALSO: HURIWA Pushes for Fair Reforms in Six-Year Term Proposal
While acknowledging the military’s role in national security, HURIWA stressed that it must not compromise civil liberties or constitutional values.
