The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has formally demanded compensation for the victims and families affected by the military's actions in Abisare village, located in the Marte Local Government Area of Borno State. This demand follows the Commission's recent findings that confirmed the military's culpability in the infanticide and killings of community members during an operation on June 16, 2016.
The NHRC's investigation was part of a broader inquiry into allegations of human rights violations committed by military forces in their ongoing counter-insurgency operations against Boko Haram. The Special Independent Investigative Panel, chaired by retired Supreme Court Justice Abdul Aboki, conducted extensive hearings and gathered testimonies from 199 witnesses, including military personnel and local civilians.
While the NHRC has exonerated the military from accusations regarding forced abortions and mass killings of children, it found substantial evidence linking military actions to the unlawful deaths of civilians in Abisare. The panel's report highlighted that these actions were not isolated incidents but part of a troubling pattern of behavior that has raised serious concerns about the military's operational protocols and respect for human rights.
NHRC General Counsel Hilary Ogbonna stated, "The findings are a stark reminder of the need for accountability within our security forces. The families affected by these tragic events deserve justice and compensation for their losses."
The Commission is urging the Nigerian government to take immediate action to provide reparations to the victims' families and to implement reforms aimed at preventing future occurrences of such violations. The NHRC emphasizes that addressing these injustices is crucial not only for the affected communities but also for restoring public trust in military operations.