By EDITH NWAPI

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called for a comprehensive national policy for the protection of human rights in Nigeria.

The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr Tony Ojukwu (SAN), made the call in his reaction to the recent escalating attacks on both the military and civilian population in some parts of the country.

Ojukwu condoled with the Nigerian military, governments and people of Borno, Niger, Benue, Kaduna, Kwara, Sokoto, Plateau and other affected states that have borne the brunt of the recent wave of terrorist and armed attacks.

He said the commission was deeply concerned by the escalation, frequency, and geographic spread of the attacks.

He noted that in recent months, the attacks have targeted military formations, civilian communities, as well as places of worship, markets, and public institutions.

He added that this had resulted in significant loss of lives, injuries, destruction of property, and large-scale displacement.

“Particularly troubling are the coordinated assaults on military bases in the North-East, including attacks on formations in Borno, leading to the loss of gallant officers, as well as suicide bombings in civilian areas such as markets and hospitals in Maiduguri.

“Equally alarming are the attacks on rural communities in Niger, Benue, and Kwara, as well as the targeting of worshippers in Kaduna state, and the recurring violence in parts of the North-West, including Sokoto state and Plateau.

“We mourn with the families of the brave officers and soldiers who paid the ultimate price in defence of the nation as well as the countless civilians whose lives were cut short, dignity violated, and communities devastated by these acts of terror,” he said.

The NHRC executive secretary noted that the attacks represented a grave and systematic assault on the right to life, dignity, and security of citizens.

He noted that the deliberate targeting of civilians and security personnel by non-state armed groups was unlawful, unjustifiable, and constitutes a gross violation of the most fundamental norms of humanity.

According to him, the commission notes with grave concern that the evolving pattern of violence underscores the urgent need for a more coherent, preventive, and human rights-based national response.

“While the NHRC acknowledges the immense sacrifices and ongoing efforts of the Armed Forces and other security agencies, we must as a nation confront an urgent truth; the protection of civilians cannot remain incidental to security operations, it must be their central objective.

“The NHRC therefore reiterates its call for the immediate development, adoption, and implementation of a comprehensive National Policy on the Protection of Civilians.”

Ojukwu said that such policy must place human rights at the core of all security responses, and prioritise the safety of civilian especially those in vulnerable rural and conflict-affected communities.

He also said that policy must ensure accountability for violations, whether by state or non-state actors, as well as provide effective remedies, rehabilitation, and support for victims and survivors.

“It must guarantee that military and security operations adhere strictly to the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution, and strengthen early warning, community engagement, and civilian protection mechanisms in high-risk areas,” he said.

Ojukwu further said that the policy must ensure that affected populations were not reduced to statistics or collateral damage, but recognised as rights-holders whose protection, dignity, and participation were non-negotiable.

According to him, an integrated human rights approach to national security is not a concession to weakness; it is a requirement of law and a foundation for legitimacy.

“Evidence globally demonstrates that sustainable peace and security are only achievable where the state consistently upholds and protects the rights of its people.

“The commission stands in solidarity with the military, affected states, and all communities impacted by this violence.

“We remain committed to working with the federal and state governments, security agencies, civil society, and other stakeholders to ensure that Nigeria’s response to terrorism strengthens, rather than undermines, the human rights framework upon which our democracy rests,” he added. (NAN)

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