In a resolute demand for justice and equality, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has issued a stern call for a fundamental review of the Nigerian Army's policies concerning women in the military. The group said it is regrettable that from abundance of empirical evidence, Nigerian military generally is deficient in compliance to the global best practices on treatment of all genders as equal and equitable.

Citing alleged widespread discrimination, harassment, and assault faced by female soldiers, HURIWA emphasized the urgent need for Nigeria to align its military practices with global standards of gender equality and universal human rights laws.

In a strongly worded statement released Sunday, HURIWA highlighted the alarming cases of Ruth Ogunleye, Lance Corporal Philomena Nnamoko, and Beauty Uzezi, who have allegedly suffered egregious violations of their rights within the Nigerian military. The rights group said that from discreet investigation, it found out that many female military operatives are simply suffering and smiling and are afraid to speak out because of the bad experiences of a few other female soldiers who spoke out about sexual violence by senior military officers, but were humiliated, intimidates, harassed and in some cases suspended from their duties.

HURIWA said the internal mechanisms for resolution of human rights related cases within the military is incapable of reaching any plausible conclusion of investigation given that the human rights issues are handled by just a mere unit within the Army rather than the Army hierarchy creating a whole department for human rights within the Army. HURIWA has also asked that the service chiefs should emulate the chief of defence staff who has an Adviser on human rights by appointing professional military officers with human rights related backgrounds as Special advisers on human rights to the respective service chiefs in the Army, Navy and Airforce or alternatively, the Chief of Defence Staff should set up a bigger office of a Human Rights Advisor to entertain cases from the three segments of the armed forces of the Federation for greater efficiency and effectiveness unlike the current status quo.

“Ruth Ogunleye bravely spoke out against senior officers who allegedly harassed and threatened her after she rejected sexual advances, while Uzezi was brutally raped by her superior and subsequently dismissed from service without receiving justice.

"Beauty Uzezi's harrowing account of sexual assault and subsequent dismissal from the Nigerian Air Force, coupled with the recent allegations of harassment and abuse by Ruth Ogunleye and Lance Corporal Philomena Nnamoko, underscore the pervasive culture of impunity within the Nigerian military.

“Ogunleye, in a viral video, revealed the torment she faced from senior army officers after refusing their sexual advances. She identified them as Col. I.B. Abdulkareem, Col. G.S. Ogor, and Brig. Gen. I.B. Solebo. She described being locked up, ejected from her apartment, and falsely placed in a psychiatric hospital. Ruth alleged multiple attempted rapes by Col. Abdulkareem, who later claimed she had a mental illness.

“Lance Corporal Philomena Nnamoko, a soldier attached to Ilese Sappers Barracks, Division 2, Ogun State, alleged that her senior colleagues had been bullying and harassing her due to her refusal to acquiesce to their sexual advances. She was reportedly beaten and sent to the Yaba Psychiatric Hospital."

“These cases reveal a disturbing pattern of senior officers exploiting their positions of power to prey upon and victimize female soldiers, while the authorities turn a blind eye or actively cover up these heinous acts.

“As Nigerians anxiously await the outcome of the promised investigation by the Nigerian Army, it is evident that urgent reforms are needed to hold perpetrators accountable, protect the rights of female soldiers, and ensure justice for all victims of abuse within the military ranks,” HURIWA stated.

Drawing attention to the stark contrast with advanced societies such as the United States, where women serve alongside men in combat roles, HURIWA stressed the urgent need for Nigeria to modernize its military practices and eradicate discriminatory treatment against female soldiers. The organization condemned the pervasive culture of impunity that allows senior officers to exploit and abuse their subordinates, calling for swift and decisive action to address these systemic issues.

Furthermore, HURIWA called upon the National Assembly to enact legislation criminalizing discriminatory practices against female soldiers and ensuring their full protection and inclusion within the military. The organization emphasized the importance of upholding women's rights and dignity within all sectors of Nigerian society, including the armed forces. HURIWA wondered why female Generals are a rarity in the contemporary Nigerian Armed forces even when women of Nigeria are some of the most educated women in the global community.

As part of its advocacy efforts, HURIWA pledged to collaborate with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies and civil society organizations, to push for meaningful reforms that promote gender equality and respect for human rights within the Nigerian military. The premiere civil rights advocacy group urged the Nigerian government to take immediate steps to create a safe and supportive environment for all military personnel, regardless of gender.

In conclusion, HURIWA highlighted the importance of education and awareness-raising initiatives to challenge entrenched gender norms and promote a culture of respect and equality within the armed forces. By empowering women to speak out against abuse and discrimination, HURIWA seeks to effect lasting change and ensure that all members of the Nigerian military are treated with dignity and respect.

“Our campaign for justice and equality within the Nigerian Military represents a crucial step towards building a more inclusive and rights-respecting society. By holding perpetrators accountable, enacting reforms, and fostering a culture of respect, Nigeria can pave the way for a brighter future where all individuals, regardless of gender, can thrive and contribute to national security and development,” HURIWA concluded.

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