The Jamatu Nasril Islam (JNI), the umbrella body of Nigerian Muslims, yesterday lambasted the Nigerian military and the State Security Service (SSS), saying it has been vindicated over allegations of the extra-judicial killing of innocent Muslims by the two organisations.

“JNI applauds the giant stride and bold step taken by the Nigerian Human Rights Commission in following the extra judicial killing of innocent Muslims by the joint SSS and military operation in Appo village last year to the logical conclusion,” said JNI Secretary-General Khalid Abubakar Aliyu in a statement issued yesterday in Kaduna.

“This rare effort by the commission vindicates JNI’s stand regarding the unprofessional handling of security challenges by our security personnel which appears to be triggered by motives yet unknown, which as it is with all injustice, time will certainly continue to unveil,” Aliyu said.

He added: “This breakthrough should be the beginning. The north east has dozens of such brutality with more painful dimensions. Human beings are not rats or cockroaches that would be smashed at the slightest opportunity for the attainment of the whim and caprice of selfish elements.

“We noted with concern the Senate Committee’s handling of the investigation of the Appo massacre which exonerated the security agencies involved.

“JNI calls on the Nigerian Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to extend its investigations and feed the Nigerian people and international community with the truth of what is going on daily against innocent Nigerians.

“We congratulate the NHRC for this giant and bold exposition and hope that more revelations will be made by the NHRC and other relevant bodies.”

•Photo shows JNI President General, Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar.