The National Human Rights Commission has asked the National Security Adviser and the Inspector General of Police to investigate allegations of extra-judicial killings, torture and harassment by troops operating in Borno and Kano states.
Soldiers of the Joint Task Force killed eleven people in Maiduguri just over a week ago, allegedly because they were Boko Haram followers. At first, the JTF said the people were killed in a shootout at a checkpoint, but it emerged later that they were dragged out of their homes and shot dead.
Earlier on January 24, soldiers killed a man and his pregnant wife at the Hotoro area of Kano on suspicion of Boko Haram links, though relations said the man never had any affiliation with the sect.
Executive Secretary of the human rights commission, Prof. Bem Angwe, said yesterday in a letter to General Andrew Azazi and acting inspector general of police Mohammed Abubakar that the commission received various complaints on human rights violations allegedly perpetrated by the JTF.
Angwe said though it was vital for the security personnel to maintain law and order in Kano and elsewhere, any deployment of forces to these areas should be governed by rules of engagement and proportionality.
He called on the public to respect all lawful orders and fully cooperate with security personnel in their efforts to protect the lives and properties.
He also urged governments at all levels as well as community and religious leaders to continue to embark on peace building initiatives that will bring about lasting peace.
DailyTrust