Recently, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) dismissed an Amnesty International report which recorded 10,217 deaths and the sacking of over 672 villages in the last two years.
The Nigerian government continues to reject insecurity reports, even when they originate from its own agencies, FIJ has found.
Recently, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) dismissed an Amnesty International report which recorded 10,217 deaths and the sacking of over 672 villages in the last two years. DHQ, through Markus Kangye, labelled the findings “unverified statistics” and cited military gains including the rescue of over 1,200 civilians and the killing of 1,500 terrorists.
“Contrary to claims, areas such as Bafarawa and Gebe in Sokoto are within reach of military Forward Operating Bases,” said Kangye.
In March, the Global Terrorism Index ranked Nigeria sixth globally for terrorism-related deaths. Kangye questioned its validity, saying, “Something is happening in my house… Kuma Shi is reporting what is happening in my house to me.”
A National Bureau of Statistics report showing N2.3 trillion paid as ransom and 2.8 million robbery victims also faced government resistance. Similarly, a DSS invitation followed its release, and the report was taken down.
Despite mounting evidence, the FG maintains its defensive stance.