A government-appointed human rights commission in Nigeria has concluded a year-and-a-half-long investigation into allegations of war crimes committed by the Nigerian military in its fight against Boko Haram.
The commission found “no evidence” to support claims of systematic abortions or deliberate attacks on civilians.
The findings contradict a series of reports published by Reuters in December 2022, which alleged that the military had carried out a secret, illegal abortion program and massacred children in the northeast region.
The commission’s investigation involved interviewing hundreds of witnesses, including military personnel, former militants, survivors of Boko Haram captivity, and aid workers.
Despite facing challenges in accessing military records, the panel concluded that there was no proof of forced abortions or deliberate targeting of children.
However, the commission did acknowledge a specific incident in 2016 where the military attacked the Abisari community, resulting in the deaths of 18 people, including women and children.
Reuters has maintained the accuracy of its reporting and criticized the commission’s investigation, citing its refusal to cooperate with the panel as a breach of its editorial standards.
The Nigerian military has consistently denied the allegations, and the recent findings by the human rights commission further solidify its stance.
While the commission’s report may bring some closure to the controversy, questions remain about the true extent of the military’s actions in the region and the accountability of those involved in potential human rights abuses.