Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has defended the military’s conduct in operations against insurgents and criminal gangs, citing efforts to minimize civilian casualties. Despite admitting to mistakenly targeting civilians, Musa emphasized that the military prioritizes human rights and values civilian lives.
He revealed that operations are often halted to prevent harm to non-combatants, even if it means compromising tactical advantages.
Musa called for a review of international laws, arguing they unfairly restrict state forces while allowing non-state actors to act with impunity. The defence chief highlighted ongoing training for military personnel in human rights and international humanitarian law as evidence of progress.
This statement comes amid growing scrutiny of Nigeria’s counterinsurgency operations and accusations of excessive force by rights groups.
In his remarks, Musa also touched on the challenges of fighting informal armed groups that blend in with civilians, suggesting that the military faces unique difficulties in distinguishing between combatants and non-combatants.
The Nigerian military has been engaged in intense operations against militias in the north and central regions, utilizing airstrikes despite the risks to civilians.
Musa’s defence of the military’s actions underscores the complexities of counterinsurgency operations and the delicate balance between achieving security objectives and protecting civilian lives.
