Nigerian military condemns Amnesty report on military operations

Nigeria's Defense Headquarters has described a recent report by the Amnesty International, alleging death of 240 people including babies in Borno and 177 pro Biafran agitators, as yet "another spurious fabrications."

The report was aimed at tarnishing the good image of the Nigerian military, Brig.-Gen. Rabe Abubakar, the defense spokesperson said on Wednesday in Abuja, the nation's capital city.

Abubakar rejected the reports in its entirety and appealed to Nigerians to disregard it and discountenance its contents as they were meant to paint Nigeria in bad light.

The spokesperson said it was on record that the organization embarked on such series of false allegations against the military and sister agencies since inception of military action against terrorists in the North East.

"Amnesty International would only encourage activities of non-state actors who take up arms against the state, killing, maiming and destroying public property but would always accuse security forces who are sacrificing everything to restore peace and normalcy," he said.

Abubakar said the military welcome constructive criticism of individuals, groups or even international organizations, including Amnesty International.

He added that it would not "fall for nor accept the deliberate falsehood that has no bearing with the fact or reality on ground."

"The truth is that the Nigerian military has always been open in its operations and do not hide its activities from the probing eye of the public," he said.

According to him, Amnesty International will rather contrive their report to suit their intention which is to cast slur on the image and integrity of the Nigerian military.

Abubakar reassured Nigerians of the commitment of the military to deal with the myriads of security challenges facing our country in spite of the unfounded reports and cheap blackmail by Amnesty International. Endit