- UNICEF, others hails Nigerian Army’s commitment to protecting rights of citizens
From Abel Leonard, Lafia
Speaking at the Nigerian Army Seminar on Human Rights held in Lafia on Thursday, Nasarawa State capital, Chief of Army Staff, T.A Lagbaja, underscored the significance of respecting human rights in the context of national security.
Sun reports that the seminar, themed ‘Expounding the Human Rights Narrative in Contemporary Times: Impact on National Security’ 2nd edition, reflects the Nigerian Army’s commitment to upholding human rights while fulfilling its constitutional duties.
Representing the Chief of Army Staff, Commander in charge of 4 special Forces Doma, Hilari Nzan emphasised the intertwining nature of national security and human rights, highlighting the constitutional guarantees enshrined in Chapter 4 of the Nigerian Constitution.
“The territorial security of Nigeria will be meaningless without the human security of Nigerians,” Lagbaja remarked, stressing the army’s responsibility to protect both the nation’s territorial integrity and its citizens’ rights and dignity.
Lagbaja also addressed the challenges stemming from the deployment of Nigerian Army troops across the country, acknowledging the potential frictions between soldiers and civilians. He emphasised the need for proactive measures to mitigate human rights infractions arising from such encounters.
“The deployment of Nigerian Army troops across the country brings soldiers into civilian space, and frictions are bound to occur between soldiers and civilians,” Lagbaja noted.
Lagbaja reiterated the Nigerian Army’s commitment to upholding human rights standards while executing its constitutional responsibilities.
In response to heightened interactions and frictions between soldiers and civilians, the Nigerian Army has elevated the issue of human rights and civilian protection in conflict zones to a top priority.
Lagbaja, highlighted the army’s proactive measures during a recent workshop aimed at fostering dialogue among various stakeholders.
“Education on human rights issues has been stepped up with continuous sensitisation workshops across all formations of the Nigerian Army,” Lagbaja emphasised.
“Nigeria and the United Nations Children’s Fund signed the Handover Protocol on the handling of children in conflict areas on 30 September 2022,” Lagbaja announced. He highlighted the recent signing of the Implementation Plan for this protocol on 25 January 2024, underscoring the Nigerian Army’s commitment to its enforcement, particularly in North East Nigeria.
Lagbaja emphasised the integration of child rights and protection into the Nigerian Army’s rules of engagement and codes of conduct across various cheaters. He reiterated the army’s dedication to upholding the values of International Humanitarian Law and International Human Rights Law.
“In collaboration with other agencies, the Nigerian Army will continue to strategies to address security challenges, refining tactics, techniques, and procedures to meet the requirements for the protection of human rights and applicable laws,” Lagbaja assured.
Expressing gratitude, Lagbaja acknowledged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his continuous support and strategic guidance. He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s apolitical stance and loyalty to the President, Commander-in-Chief, and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Earlier in a welcome address, Major General Ugbo underscored the enduring commitment of the Nigerian Army to confront the multifaceted security threats confronting Nigeria. “For well over a decade, the Nigerian Army has been engaged in sustained operations against a myriad of security threats across the country,”
Major General Ugbo highlighted the intricate nature of armed conflicts within the country, emphasising the importance of upholding human rights principles in all military operations.
“As an army, the Nigerian Army has a constitutional responsibility to defend Nigeria from external aggression and maintain its territorial integrity while securing its borders from violation,” Major General Ugbo affirmed.
He further said the seminar serves as a crucial platform for stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue and reflection on the intersection of human rights and military operations, adding that Participants will explore strategies to ensure that security efforts remain firmly anchored in respect for human dignity and rights.
“In the context of internal security, it is the constitutional role of the Nigerian Army to protect civilian lives and property, while upholding the fundamental rights enshrined in our constitution,”.
Special Guest of Honour, Justice Aisha Bashir elucidated the critical role of human rights in ensuring justice, fairness, and equality for all citizens. She emphasised that the seminar provides a crucial platform for dialogue and engagement on human rights issues, particularly within the context of Nigeria’s security landscape.
“Human rights are fundamental to the protection of individuals’ dignity and freedoms,”.
“It is imperative that we engage in meaningful discussions and collaboration to address human rights challenges, especially in conflict areas.”
Justice Aisha Bashir highlighted the need for stakeholders to work together to ensure that the rights of all Nigerians are respected and protected, particularly in areas affected by conflict and insecurity.
She commended the Nigerian Army for organising the seminar, noting its significance in promoting awareness and understanding of human rights principles among security personnel and the broader society.
“The Nigerian Army Seminar on Human Rights serves as a platform for fostering mutual understanding and cooperation among stakeholders,” remarked Justice Aisha Bashir. “It is essential that we collectively strive to uphold human rights standards while addressing security challenges in our communities.”
She further stressed the importance of continuous education and training on human rights principles for security personnel and urged for the integration of human rights considerations into military operations.
In a goodwill message, Carmen Paping, Child Protection Officer representing UNICEF, lauded the Nigerian Army’s initiative to safeguard human rights, particularly focusing on children. She emphasised that children worldwide often bear the brunt of conflicts and crises, making initiatives like this one crucial in ensuring their protection.
“It is a very good initiative to prioritise the protection of human rights, especially children, in conflict areas,” stated Paping. “Children across the globe are always at the receiving end of conflicts, and it is imperative that we take proactive measures to ensure their safety and well-being.”
Paping highlighted UNICEF’s readiness to collaborate with the Nigerian Army in implementing child protection measures and advocating for the rights of children in conflict zones. She underscored the importance of joint efforts in creating safer environments for children affected by conflicts and crises.
“The collaboration between UNICEF and the Nigerian Army is vital in ensuring the protection of children’s rights in conflict-affected areas,” emphasised Paying. “By working together, we can make significant strides towards ensuring that children are shielded from the harmful effects of conflict and violence.”