Counter-Insurgency Campaigns: It’s almost impossible not to violate citizens’ rights – General  Kukasheka

By Ladesope Ladelokun

In spite of allegations of human rights violations during counterinsurgency and counterterrorism operations, former Director of Army Public Relations and spokesman of the Nigerian Army, Brig. General Usman Kukasheka (Rtd) has said it is almost impossible not to impinge on the fundamental rights of citizens.

Kukasheka, however, admits that  the provision of security and promotion of human rights are the fundamental rights of all Nigerians, noting that the violation of these rights could make the citizens worthless.

Speaking during a public lecture on Tuesday at the Centre for International and Advanced Professional Studies, CIAPS, in honour of leading Nigerian columnists with the theme: Security and Human Rights, the retired General explained that giving less attention to the victim of a violation of human rights or an unlawful restriction of human rights could negatively affect good governance in Nigeria.

He further stated  that in assuring Nigerians of their security, their human rights are to be protected, adding that the constitutional issues that impinge on the people’s rights need to be addressed while placing a premium on the security of the people.

His words:” There were also allegations of human rights violations during counterinsurgency and counterterrorism, and other security operations that include the killing of civilians, which violates the people’s right to life. The enactment of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2011, amended in 2013, elicited concerns due to the broad and sweeping powers given to the security agencies without strict judicial control.

Section 25 of the Terrorism Prevention Act authorises the National Security Adviser (NSA) or the Inspector without a warrant where he has reason to suspect that any of the terrorism offences created under the Act was being committed. Furthermore, the NSA or IGP can search, detain and arrest any person upon reasonable suspicion of the person having committed or about to commit an offence under Act.”

“In conducting counter-insurgency campaigns by government forces, the human rights of citizens of the states where insurgents operate are abused. However, it is almost impossible to launch successful counter-insurgency campaigns without impinging on citizens’ fundamental human rights.

However, this could be mitigated when international best practices are adhered to, and the rules of engagement by the military are strictly observed. Therefore, security forces involved in law enforcement, internal security and counter-insurgency operations should strictly observe the International Humanitarian Law, Code of Conduct, and the rules of engagement for that operation.”

The event,  which was organised by the League of Nigerian Columnists, LNC, and chaired by Major General Ike Nwachukwu (Rtd.), also featured presentation of awards to honour meaningful contributions towards building a better society. Recipients include former governor of Lagos State,Alhaji Lateef Jakande, Vanguard newspaper Publisher, Mr Sam Amuka, Sir Henry Boyo, Gbolabo Ogunsanwo, among others.

Rifnote reports that the League of Nigerian Columnists (LNC) is a fellowship of leading columnists dedicated to the nurturing and preservation of a truly democratic and progressive society. Members of the LNC are writers whose columns are published weekly or with reasonable frequency in newspapers and magazines that have full-time editors.

Leading members of LNC include Tola Adeniyi (President), Yakubu Mohammed (Vice President), Ray Ekpu, Dan Agbese, Martins Oloja, Reuben Abati, Dare Babarinsa, Ikechukwu Amechi, Anthony Kila (Secretary-General).