The report by the National Human Rights Commission which indicated that the Nigeria Police indicted the Joint Task Force, JTF, on Baga killings has been refuted by the Police Headquarters.
Information Nigeria recalls that about 200 civilians were reportedly killed and hundreds of houses burnt in Baga during an intense gun battle between soldiers and insurgents.
A statement by Deputy Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, read in part, “The Force wishes to rebut references to it by recent media reports credited to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) which created the impression that a report issued by the Force indicted the JTF on the Baga incident. This is not true and cannot be true!”
The police image maker noted as a component of the JTF operating in various parts of the nation, the force cannot set out to discredit itself adding.
Mr. Mba added that the report did not emanate from the Nigeria Police as it supports synergy between security agencies to enhance the nation’s security.
According to him, “While pledging to uphold its professional ethics and respect for Human Rights, the Nigeria Police Force implores members of the public and the Human Rights community to keep up their support for on-going efforts by Nigerian Security Forces at restoring a lasting peace and security in some troubled parts of the country”.
Mr. Mba reiterated the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar’s resolve towards an enduring partnership with the Nigeria Armed Forces in the fight against terrorism and enhancing the country’s security.
Quoting the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Mba said, “The Police High Command recognizes the positive effect of such synergy with the Armed Forces and other Security Agencies which is essentially responsible for the tremendous results so far achieved. Today, peace and normalcy is gradually returning to the North-Eastern States of Borno, Yobe, Bauchi and Adamawa, courtesy of this robust collaboration.”
