The Nigerian Army has expressed its commitment to promoting the rights of the civilians in the country.
Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Burutai disclosed this at a Military-Media Awareness Programme organised by CLEEN Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organization, at Jabi Motor Park, Abuja.
Buratai, represented by Major Naanzem Longpoe, Army Human Rights Desk Officer, said that the army had measures in place to ensure that the rights of civilians were protected.
These, according to him, include the opening of free toll line, 193 and establishment of the Nigerian Army Human Rights Desk.
“The office is opened to members of the public whose rights have been infringed upon; they can always walk into our office and lodge their complaints.
“We have some designated toll free call centre, and Public Complaints Rapid Response Unit.
“Every month, we also go down to Army formations and schools to sensitize them to the need to respect the rights of the civilians.’’
Buratai added that the army, during its first quarter staff conference, equally launched some books on respect for human rights during military operations.
“So, the Army is doing its best to ensure that the rights of the civilians are respected.’’
He urged members of the public to relate with the military and report to them any case of human right violation by the personnel.
“We assure them that once they come to us their rights are protected and we do our best to serve them better.’’
The Executive Director, CLEEN Foundation, Dr Benson Olugbuo, called for cordial relationship between civilians and the military in the country.
Olugbuo, represented by the foundation’s Programme Manager, Ruth Olofin, said positive relationship between the military and the civilian was key in addressing security challenge facing the country.
