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NHRC calls for comprehensive national policy on protection of human rights
The National Human Rights Commission has called for a comprehensive national policy for the protection of human rights in Nigeria.
The executive secretary of the commission, Tony Ojukwu, made the call in reaction to the recent escalating attacks on both the military and civilian population in some parts of the country.
Mr Ojukwu condoled with the Nigerian military, governments and people of Borno, Niger, Benue, Kaduna, Kwara, Sokoto, Plateau and other affected states that have borne the brunt of the recent wave of terrorist and armed attacks.
He said the commission was deeply concerned by the escalation, frequency, and geographic spread of the attacks.
He noted that in recent months, the attacks have targeted military formations and civilian communities, as well as places of worship, markets, and public institutions.
He added that this had resulted in significant loss of lives, injuries, destruction of property, and large-scale displacement.
“Particularly troubling are the coordinated assaults on military bases in the North-East, including attacks on formations in Borno, leading to the loss of gallant officers, as well as suicide bombings in civilian areas such as markets and hospitals in Maiduguri.
“Equally alarming are the attacks on rural communities in Niger, Benue, and Kwara, as well as the targeting of worshippers in Kaduna state and the recurring violence in parts of the North-West, including Sokoto state and Plateau.
”We mourn with the families of the brave officers and soldiers who paid the ultimate price in defence of the nation as well as the countless civilians whose lives were cut short, dignity violated, and communities devastated by these acts of terror,” he said.
The NHRC executive secretary noted that the attacks represented a grave and systematic assault on the right to life, dignity, and security of citizens.
He noted that the deliberate targeting of civilians and security personnel by non-state armed groups was unlawful, unjustifiable, and constitutes a gross violation of the most fundamental norms of humanity.
According to him, the commission notes with grave concern that the evolving pattern of violence underscores the urgent need for a more coherent, preventive, and human rights-based national response.
”While the NHRC acknowledges the immense sacrifices and ongoing efforts of the Armed Forces and other security agencies, we must as a nation confront an urgent truth; the protection of civilians cannot remain incidental to security operations; it must be their central objective.
”The NHRC therefore reiterates its call for the immediate development, adoption, and implementation of a comprehensive national policy on the protection of civilians,” he said.
Mr Ojukwu said that such a policy must place human rights at the core of all security responses and prioritise the safety of civilians, especially those in vulnerable rural and conflict-affected communities.
He also said that policy must ensure accountability for violations, whether by state or non-state actors, as well as provide effective remedies, rehabilitation, and support for victims and survivors.
“It must guarantee that military and security operations adhere strictly to the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution and strengthen early warning, community engagement, and civilian protection mechanisms in high-risk areas,” he said.
Mr Ojukwu further said that the policy must ensure that affected populations were not reduced to statistics or collateral damage but recognised as rights-holders whose protection, dignity, and participation were non-negotiable.
According to him, an integrated human rights approach to national security is not a concession to weakness; it is a requirement of law and a foundation for legitimacy.
“Evidence globally demonstrates that sustainable peace and security are only achievable where the state consistently upholds and protects the rights of its people.
“The commission stands in solidarity with the military, affected states, and all communities impacted by this violence.
“We remain committed to working with the federal and state governments, security agencies, civil society, and other stakeholders to ensure that Nigeria’s response to terrorism strengthens, rather than undermines, the human rights framework upon which our democracy rests,” he added.
(NAN)
The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) and Search for Common Ground (SFCG) have called for efforts to address conflict drivers threatening democracy.
The organisations made the call on Thursday in Abuja at a joint news conference to commemorate the 2026 Democracy Day.
The Director-General of IPCR, Dr Joseph Ochogwu, said democracy remained the best form of government and depended on active citizen participation.
According to him, weak civic engagement, voter apathy and poor democratic culture continue to challenge democratic consolidation in Nigeria.
Mr Ochogwu said IPCR’s conflict assessments showed that many pressures on democracy stemmed from citizen disengagement rather than democracy itself.
He urged Nigerians, especially youths, to participate actively in elections and governance processes to strengthen democratic institutions.
The IPCR boss described electoral violence, intimidation and coercive political practices as serious threats to democratic development.
He called on political actors, electoral institutions, security agencies, media organisations and civil society groups to promote peaceful political engagement.
Mr Ochogwu also expressed concern over the increasing monetisation of politics, saying it excluded ordinary citizens from meaningful participation.
He identified terrorism, banditry, organised crime and violent extremism as major threats undermining governance and public confidence in institutions.
Responding to questions, Mr Ochogwu said insecurity would not prevent the conduct of elections in 2027.
He urged Nigerians not to lose hope in the country and to continue supporting democratic processes.
The Director of Programmes, Search for Common Ground, Gift Omoniwa, said protecting democracy required addressing insecurity and conflict drivers.
Mrs Omoniwa said banditry, kidnapping and violent extremism continued to threaten peace, stability and democratic governance across Nigeria.
She stressed the need for inclusive approaches that address root causes of conflict and promote peaceful coexistence.
According to her, vulnerable youths remain targets for recruitment by violent groups, posing risks to national security and democracy.
She advocated greater youth empowerment, economic opportunities and meaningful participation in governance processes.
Mrs Omoniwa disclosed that SFCG and IPCR recently conducted conflict assessments in Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau and Taraba states.
She said the findings were being shared with stakeholders to support evidence-based interventions and conflict prevention efforts.
The interventions include strengthening early warning systems, peace committees and livelihood programmes in affected communities.
Mrs Omoniwa expressed confidence that the measures would support peaceful and credible elections in 2027.
She reaffirmed SFCG’s commitment to working with government institutions, civil society groups and communities to promote peace and democratic governance.
(NAN)
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