Report: Nigerian Troops Responsible for 8,000 Civilian Deaths in Boko Haram Fight

Carrie Dedrick | Updated: Jun 04, 2015

Report: Nigerian Troops Responsible for 8,000 Civilian Deaths in Boko Haram Fight

A new report from Amnesty International claims that 8,000 civilians have died while in detainment by the Nigerian military. According to the report, 7,000 of those who died from starvation, torture and illness that broke out in overcrowded cells. 

Christian Today reports other civilians were killed by Nigerian forces inside detention facilities when their families were unable to pay a “bribe.” 

Amnesty International accused the Nigerian military of war crimes in the 133-page report; the organization also said that senior military commanders should be investigated from committing crimes against humanity. 

The Nigerian military denied the claims of torturing civilians and accused Amnesty International of blackmail. 

Major General Chris Olukolade said in a statement, “The Nigerian military... rejects the biased and concocted report provided by Amnesty International. The Nigerian military does not encourage or condone abuse of human rights, neither will any proven case be left unpunished.” 

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari promised to investigate the claims further. 

A spokesman of Buhari said, "The administration will leave no stone unturned to promote the rule of law... Respect for human rights and adherence to the rule of law are the life and soul of the democratic system.”

Publication date: June 4, 2015



Report: Nigerian Troops Responsible for 8,000 Civilian Deaths in Boko Haram Fight