02/14/2020 Nigeria (International Christian Concern) – Amnesty International has reported that the Nigerian Military has again conducted possible war crimes against its own people. According to the report, the Nigerian military razed multiple villages on January 3 and 4 of this year. During supposed clearing operations, the military rounded up the villagers from three villages, Bukarti, Ngariri and Matiri in Borno State. All of these villages are along the Maiduguri – Damaturu Road, a main avenue for people travelling between Yobe state and Borno state.
This operation was supposed to clear out Boko Haram militants from the area. According to residents form these villages who spoke with Amnesty however, Boko Haram had never been in the area. Not only this, then the Nigerian military announced that they had freed several hundred Boko Haram captives from these villages. Local residents were then moved to an IDP camp where they were left.
Due to this military operation, nearly everyone in all three villages lost their homes, property, and food stores. This has left them destitute and without supplies or money to provide for themselves. The Nigerian Military must be held accountable for these types of brutal tactics which do not stop Boko Haram, but often drive civilians to Boko Harams side. The Nigerian government must investigate and hold those responsible for this injustice accountable. IF they do not, the World must hold the Nigerian government accountable.
