NBA, CSO Worried Over Human Rights Violations By Tiger Base, Special Squads In Southeast
The Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) and Civil Society Organisations (CSO) raised alarm over alleged human rights abuse by Police special formations across the Southeast.
This was part of the revelations at the 2-day Southeast Stakeholders Summit On Peace And Security And Public Hearing On Human Rights Violations, Held In Enugu between Feb. 21 and Feb. 22.
The Coalition of NBA and CSOs in communique signed by Mr Okechukwu Nwanguma, Executive Director of Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) on behalf of CSOs and Sabastine Anyia, 1st Vice President of NBA called on governors in Southeast
The summit called for regulation of state backed security outfits including Agunechemba and Ebubeagu to guarantee that they operate within the confines of human rights and legal frameworks.
It called for an inquiry into the continued existence of clandestine detention facilities and reports of forced disappearances saying it needed interventions to ensure due process and accountability by the judiciary.
It called on the Southeast Governor’s Forum to monitor security activities, pull resources, strengthen arms control to curb the illegal flows, and enhance border surveillance in the region.
According to the Communique, we call for regulation of state-backed security outfits: government-backed security groups such as Agunechemba.
“We also call respect for human rights and rule of law in the operations of special or tactical units of the police such as Rapid Response Squad in Anambra, Tiger Base in Imo State, and Anti-Kidnapping Unit in Anambra among others.
“We also call for the setting up of a Human Right Bureau at the end of the summit and adoption of a collaborative security framework,” it said.
The coalition said the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu ‘in disregard of several stakeholders’ appeals in compliance with court orders and the need for political resolution’ was exacerbating insecurity.
It blamed the situation on rising cultism among youths, exploration of natural resources, inadequacy of security responses, proliferation of arms and lack of inclusive governance.
“ Federal government should heed numerous calls for the release of Nnamdi Kanu.
“This will help in de-escalation. The issues are essentially political and can only be resolved through political solution
“Corruption and the politicisation of security challenges continue to impede effective responses; the Police should not be used for regime protection or repression and suppression of dissent. democratic expression.
“Security agencies must adhere to legal protocols and respect human rights while conducting operations to avoid further violations and erosion of public trust.
8. Security agencies must adhere to legal protocols and respect human rights while conducting operations to avoid further violations and erosion of public trust.
“The Southeast is not well advocated for by the Governors in the region.
