The head of Nigeria’s defence ministry charges countries of using “double standards” by refusing to sell weapons.

Date:

The defence minister of Nigeria voiced his displeasure on Tuesday over what he described as the “double standards” of certain nations refusing to sell his military hardware due to worries over human rights.

The statement made by General Christopher Musa highlights one of the major obstacles facing the most populous country in Africa as it fights a lethal and intricate security crisis, which includes dozens of armed groups targeting travellers and communities in the northwest and central regions, as well as the Islamic militant insurgency in the northeast.

“Even with our money, it is difficult getting equipment,” Musa told reporters in Nigeria’s capital of Abuja, acknowledging a huge need for items such as helicopters, drones and Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles.

“Some say human rights, some say ‘You have killed’ … but again, sometimes, people pointing fingers at you have done worse and yet nobody is holding them to account. It is these double standards that (are) making the world more dangerous,” Musa said.

He declined to name the countries in question when asked by The Associated Press.

Nigeria’s security forces for many years have faced allegations of extrajudicial killings and illegal arrests. The United States and other major arms suppliers at one point or another have withheld the sale of weapons over those accusations.

In December, at least 85 civilians were killed when a Nigerian army drone erroneously targeted a religious gathering in northwest Kaduna state, the latest of several such incidents.

Musa said Nigeria’s military has continued to improve on its human rights record and is holding its personnel to account. Alleged abuses are often investigated, and a report on the December incident will be released soon, he said.

“The Nigerian Armed Forces can secure Nigeria (and) the entire region,” Musa said, but added that the lack of needed weapons will continue to limit that capacity.

However, there is little evidence to show that Nigeria’s military has improved on its human rights record, according to Isa Sanusi, Amnesty International’s director in Nigeria.

“Protecting civilians should be their priority (and) they should look at all human rights violations they have committed to ensure accountability,” Sanusi said.

U.S. military support to Nigeria has at times included training on how to mitigate risks to civilians, according to a State Department statement in January on security cooperation. It said that in August, Nigeria delivered the first payment for 12 attack helicopters worth a total of $997 million.

Share post:

Subscribe

Popular

Benjamin Marfo secures 100 per cent endorsement as Amansie South DCE 

In a resounding show of unity and confidence, Mr....

Mpohor-Fiase: COPCAD to provide alternative source of livelihoods for illegal miners 

The Community Partnerships for Citizens Action and Development (COPCAD),...

GACL Internal Audit Awareness Month launched

The Ghana Airports Company Limited's ( GACL) Internal Audit...

Government, Traditional Leaders unite for Oti Region’s Development 

Mr John Kwadwo Gyapong, Oti Regional Minister, has reaffirmed...

More like this
Related