By: Ojay Matthew
The Director-General of the Confederation of APC Support Groups and Chairman/Coordinator of the West African Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), Alhaji Professor Khairani Mohammed, has cautioned the Nigeria Police Force against acts of brutality and human rights abuses, particularly against journalists in the course of their lawful duties.
Professor Khairani made the call at the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) investiture and award ceremony held at the Officers’ Mess of the National Defence College. He noted that there have been several instances where journalists were reportedly assaulted while carrying out legitimate assignments, describing such actions as violations of international and United Nations human rights charters. He stressed that the Police operate under established rules of engagement that emphasize respect for human dignity, urging the Police high command to decisively sanction any officer found guilty of infringing on the fundamental rights of Nigerians, regardless of social status.
He also called for increased support and collaboration between security agencies and the Civilian Joint Task Force to effectively combat non-state actors such as Lakurawa, ISWAP, Boko Haram and armed bandits. According to him, conventional security agencies, including the Armed Forces, Police and the Department of State Services (DSS), are constrained by limited manpower, funding and logistics. He argued that the CJTF, with its proven successes in the North-East during the early years of the Boko Haram insurgency, is well-positioned to complement security efforts due to its members’ knowledge of local terrain and community intelligence.
Professor Khairani, who was among the award recipients at the ceremony, expressed appreciation to the International Human Rights Commission for finding him worthy of the honour. He said the recognition underscores his commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights across communities and beyond.
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