In a shocking report released by Amnesty International, the Nigerian military has been accused of reuniting girls and women who escaped from Boko Haram captivity with their alleged “repentant” husbands, leading to further abuse and violence.
The report, titled “‘Neill’s folly: The Nigerian military’s reckless disregard for life,” reveals the military’s systematic mistreatment of survivors of Boko Haram’s abuses.
According to Amnesty International, dozens of women and girls who escaped from Boko Haram’s clutches were unlawfully detained and abused in Nigerian military facilities.
They were subjected to beatings, insults, and abysmal conditions, and were accused of being “Boko Haram wives.” Some detainees were held for years without access to lawyers or formal charges.
The report highlights the story of a 17-year-old girl who was detained for two years after escaping from Boko Haram.
She was repeatedly beaten and called a “Boko Haram wife” by soldiers. Another woman, aged 24, was detained for over a year and subjected to physical and verbal abuse.
Amnesty International’s investigation reveals a disturbing pattern of abuse and neglect by the Nigerian military.
The organization’s Director, Osai Ojigho, stated, “The Nigerian military’s actions are a betrayal of the trust of the people they are supposed to protect. They have failed to ensure the safety and dignity of survivors of Boko Haram’s abuses.”
The report calls on the Nigerian government to investigate these allegations and ensure that survivors receive the protection and support they need.
It also urges the government to implement measures to prevent further abuses and ensure accountability for those responsible.
The Nigerian military has denied the allegations, calling them “unsubstantiated” and stating that they have improved their human rights record.
However, Amnesty International’s report is based on extensive research and interviews with survivors, and its findings are a damning indictment of the Nigerian military’s treatment of vulnerable civilians.
