Abortion of 10,000 Pregnancies: Borno Government Lauds NHRC, Panel for Efforts to Uncover Truth Amid Human Rights Abuse Allegations
....... Urges Swift Reforms Following Human Rights Panel’s Counter-Insurgency Findings
The Borno State Government has commended the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and the Special Independent Investigative Panel for their work in probing allegations of abuse within Nigeria’s counter-insurgency operations.
Initial reports by Reuters in December 2022 claimed Nigerian military personnel were involved in forced terminations of pregnancies for over 10,000 women affected by Boko Haram insurgents, as well as alleged killings of infants, as part of efforts to curb Boko Haram’s influence in North-East Nigeria.
Speaking at the presentation of the panel’s final report, Borno State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Hauwa Abubakar, acknowledged the severity of the allegations.
She thanked the NHRC, led by Executive Secretary Barrister Tony Ojukwu, retired Supreme Court Justice Abdu Aboki, and the panel members for their commitment to transparency. “Receiving the findings of the Special Independent Investigative Panel today,” she stated, “I am filled with both gratitude and responsibility.
This report represents a significant step toward addressing these grave allegations, and I commend the panel’s dedication in difficult circumstances.”
Barrister Abubakar further highlighted the leadership of Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, in prioritizing humanitarian assistance and protecting the dignity of displaced persons in Borno. She reiterated the state government’s commitment to meeting both immediate needs and promoting long-term stability.
Human Rights Landscape and Borno’s Ongoing Efforts
The Attorney General emphasized the importance of the panel’s findings for understanding Borno’s complex humanitarian challenges, particularly as counter-insurgency efforts continue. “The findings are invaluable as we work to strengthen human rights protections and ensure accountability in our state,” she said.
She highlighted Borno State’s ongoing partnerships with NGOs, UN agencies, and other organizations focused on healthcare, education, and secure shelter for those affected by conflict.
The government has also prioritized community resilience programs in education and economic empowerment to help prevent future crises.
Calls for Action and Collaboration
Reflecting on the report’s recommendations, Barrister Abubakar urged both federal and state institutions, including the Nigerian military, to act swiftly on the panel’s proposed measures. She stressed the need to improve conditions within IDP camps and to enhance record-keeping practices to ensure the well-being of all citizens.
In her closing remarks, she called on all stakeholders—including NGOs, UN agencies, and the Nigerian military—to join in efforts to restore human rights and dignity across Borno. “Together, we can establish a framework for accountability and justice that offers hope to victims and a model for other regions facing similar crises,” she said.
The event was attended by Borno’s Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar; former Commissioner of Health and current Executive Secretary of the Borno State Primary Healthcare Board, Professor Muhammed Arab Alhaji; representatives of the Shehu of Borno; senior government officials; media; UN and civil society representatives; as well as leaders from the military, NSCDC, DSS, medical practitioners, the NBA, CJTF, and various community, youth, and women’s groups.
