COAS reaffirms Army’s commitment to protecting human rights

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to protecting human rights and strengthening adherence to International Humanitarian Law (IHL) in military operations.

He spoke when he received the Head of Delegation, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Nigeria, Doris El Doueihy.The reception took place on Wednesday in Abuja.

This was contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Appolonia Anele, in Abuja.

The COAS said respect for human rights, protection of civilians and stronger civil-military relations remained critical to enhancing operational effectiveness and public confidence in the Armed Forces.

He described the ICRC as a trusted strategic partner whose longstanding collaboration with the Nigerian Army had strengthened humanitarian action, operational professionalism and stability in conflict-affected areas.

Shaibu said the army had fully integrated International Humanitarian Law, human rights principles and standard rules of engagement into training programmes at all levels.

According to him, the Nigerian Army remains committed to implementing its Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Plan, improving detention management, facilitating humanitarian access and adopting global best practices that support mission success while safeguarding civilian lives.

He reiterated the Army’s resolve to sustain collaboration with humanitarian organisations in line with international standards as well as Nigeria’s commitment to protecting vulnerable populations.

Earlier, El Doueihy commended the Nigerian Army for its professionalism, transparency and sustained cooperation with the ICRC.

She said the collaboration had significantly enhanced the safe delivery of humanitarian assistance and the protection of vulnerable communities affected by conflict.

She also acknowledged the Army’s progress in detention management and its commitment to upholding internationally accepted humanitarian standards.

𝕤𝕖𝕖 𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖/𝕨𝕒𝕥𝕔𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕧𝕚𝕕𝕖𝕠 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖