Defence minister to US envoy: Nigerian troops do not commit human rights abuses

Minister of defence, Bashir Magashi has stated that Nigerian troops do not perpetrate human rights violations during their counter-terrorism operations in the north-east.

According to the defence minister, the troops are guided by the laws of the country and rules of engagement.

This was contained in a statement released by the special assistant to the minister on media and publicity, Mohammad Abdulkadri when Kathleen Gibbon, the United States acting ambassador to Nigeria, paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.

The minister assured the international community of President Muhammadu Buhari’s respect for the domestic and international laws on human rights abuses.

He also gave assurance that the Nigerian military would not renege on its compliance to the rule of law and commitment to defending the national interest at all cost.

“What else should Nigeria do to protect human rights and Child Protection Act that the country is not doing presently?” he asked.

Speaking during the meeting, the acting US ambassador pledged the continuous support of the US for Nigeria, adding that the remaining six Super Tulcano would arrive in the country by September.