Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has wrapped up its inquiry into claims that the Nigerian military conducted a covert abortion program targeting women and children amid its counter-insurgency efforts in the northeast. The commission declared on Friday that it found no evidence supporting these accusations.
The NHRC, an independent entity appointed by the government, initiated the investigation after reports emerged in December 2022. These reports alleged that the military was involved in an illegal abortion scheme and mass killings of children in the area. After several months of hearings in Abuja and Borno State, the NHRC concluded that the gathered evidence did not substantiate these claims.
The investigation included testimonies from witnesses and experts, yet no conclusive proof was found to support the allegations. The military has consistently denied any involvement in such practices, emphasizing that its operations in the northeast are focused on combating armed groups.
The NHRC’s probe comes amid criticism about its effectiveness in holding government officials accountable for human rights violations. Activists have previously criticized the commission for not adequately addressing abuses by those in power. However, the NHRC has played a role in addressing other significant human rights issues, such as advocating for the disbandment of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in 2020 and investigating police violence during protests.
Nigeria’s northeast has been embroiled in a violent conflict driven by Boko Haram for over 15 years. The region continues to suffer greatly, with thousands of women and children affected by the insurgency. Despite Boko Haram’s waning influence in recent years, the group still carries out deadly attacks against both civilians and military targets.
While the NHRC’s findings clear the military of these specific allegations, the broader issues of human rights abuses and the ongoing conflict in the region remain critical. The humanitarian crisis in the northeast persists, and the NHRC’s efforts to ensure accountability for any future violations will be essential in addressing the region’s challenges.
