Human rights watch accuses nigeria army of threatening aid workers safety

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused the Nigerian Army of threatening the safety of aid workers in the country. According to HRW, the Nigerian Army has been using violence and intimidation to restrict the movement of aid workers and humanitarian organizations, making it difficult for them to provide assistance to people affected by conflict and violence.

In a report released on February 24, 2023, HRW documented numerous incidents of Nigerian Army personnel threatening, harassing, and attacking aid workers, as well as destroying humanitarian equipment and supplies. The report also highlighted the Nigerian Army's failure to protect civilians and aid workers from attacks by non-state armed groups, such as Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

HRW's report is based on interviews with over 100 aid workers, humanitarian officials, and local residents, as well as analysis of satellite imagery and other evidence. The organization is calling on the Nigerian government to take immediate action to protect aid workers and ensure that humanitarian organizations can operate safely and effectively in the country.

Some of the specific incidents documented by HRW include:

• In October 2022, Nigerian Army personnel attacked a convoy of aid workers from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Borno State, killing one aid worker and injuring several others.
• In November 2022, the Nigerian Army destroyed a humanitarian warehouse in Maiduguri, Borno State, containing food and medical supplies intended for people affected by conflict.
• In December 2022, Nigerian Army personnel threatened and harassed aid workers from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in Adamawa State, preventing them from conducting a survey of displaced persons.

HRW is urging the Nigerian government to:

• Take immediate action to protect aid workers and humanitarian organizations from violence and intimidation by the Nigerian Army and other security forces.
• Conduct thorough investigations into incidents of violence and intimidation against aid workers and hold those responsible accountable.
• Ensure that humanitarian organizations have safe and unimpeded access to people affected by conflict and violence.
• Provide adequate resources and support to aid workers and humanitarian organizations to enable them to provide effective assistance to people in need.

The Nigerian government has not yet responded to HRW's report, but the organization is calling on the government to take immediate action to address the concerns raised in the report.