The Nigerian Army is hopeful that its recently established Human Rights Desk will create better interface between it, human rights organisations and Nigerians.

The Chief of Civil-Military Relations of the Nigerian Army, Major General Rogers Nicholas, told reporters that the established desk, which was part of recent reforms, would address issues of abuse when they arise.

He explained that the attention on human rights issues will also include training and retraining of troops on human rights laws to ensure that within the rules of their engagements, they would respect the rights of Nigerians.

According to him, the army had put in place mechanisms to ensure that human rights education is giving priority during its recruitment processes.

He explained that there was a mechanism for continuous education of officers and men especially those engaged in the internal security

Major General Nicholas, however, said many of the cases reported in the past had been thoroughly investigated and where officers were found culpable they were punished.

The Chief of Civil-Military Relations of the Nigerian Army, however, said that in some cases the stories were found to be false.

Some human rights groups have described the establishment of the Human Rights Desk as a step in the right direction.

They, however, want the desk to ensure that the much needed interface between the military and the general public was achieved.

The rights groups also want the military to be more forthcoming with information especially where it would have no negative effect on the rules of engagement of the military.

Nigerians are looking forward to seeing if these reforms initiated by the Nigerian Army will yield the desired results. (Channels TV)

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