Odita Sunday 
HURIWA Applauds Army’s New Doctrine, Seeks Stronger Human Rights Compliance
By Odita Sunday
Abuja – The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has commended the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for unveiling a renewed operational doctrine aimed at strengthening professionalism, discipline, troop welfare and public confidence in the Nigerian Army.
The rights advocacy group, however, urged the Army to ensure that the doctrine is implemented in strict compliance with constitutional provisions and internationally recognised human rights standards, particularly during internal security operations.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA described the Army’s renewed emphasis on professionalism and ethical conduct as timely, given its increasing involvement in combating terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, communal violence, oil theft and other security threats across the country.
The organisation said the Army’s “Soldier First” initiative, which prioritises personnel welfare, training and improved working conditions, would enhance operational efficiency and encourage greater professionalism among troops.
According to HURIWA, the true test of the new doctrine lies in its implementation, especially in operations involving civilian populations where troops are required to distinguish between criminals, suspects and innocent residents.
The group stressed that military professionalism must extend beyond operational effectiveness to include respect for the Constitution, the rule of law and the fundamental rights guaranteed under Chapter IV of the 1999 Constitution.
It noted that the constitutional rights to life, dignity of the human person, personal liberty and fair hearing remain applicable during internal security operations, adding that the deployment of troops does not suspend citizens’ constitutional protections.
To strengthen the doctrine, HURIWA called on the Army to make human rights compliance a compulsory aspect of military training and operational certification, while advocating regular scenario-based training on lawful arrest, detention procedures, civilian protection and the responsible use of force.
The organisation also urged the Army to continuously review its rules of engagement to ensure clarity on the lawful use of force, proportionality, treatment of civilians and procedures for de-escalating potentially volatile situations.
HURIWA further recommended stronger command accountability, insisting that allegations of unlawful killings, torture, arbitrary detention, destruction of civilian property and other abuses should be independently investigated, with commanders held accountable where evidence establishes failures of supervision.
The rights group also advocated closer collaboration between the military, traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society organisations and human rights groups to improve intelligence gathering, build public confidence and reduce tensions in conflict-affected communities.
It further called for accessible complaint mechanisms for civilians alleging misconduct by military personnel, enhanced documentation and after-action reviews of operations, greater integration of military legal officers into operational planning and sustained investment in troop welfare.
The organisation said military success should not be measured solely by the number of terrorists neutralised or weapons recovered, but also by the protection of civilians, prevention of avoidable casualties and restoration of peace in affected communities.
HURIWA maintained that transparency in communicating the outcomes of military operations would further strengthen public trust without compromising national security.
While reiterating support for the Army’s transformation agenda, the group urged the Federal Government to provide the military with adequate resources, equipment, legal support and welfare packages needed to effectively implement the new doctrine.
It also called on the National Assembly, the National Human Rights Commission, civil society organisations and the media to support efforts aimed at ensuring accountability and respect for fundamental rights within Nigeria’s evolving security architecture.
According to HURIWA, national security and human rights are complementary objectives, insisting that a military capable of defeating terrorists while respecting the rights of civilians would earn lasting public confidence and legitimacy.
The organisation therefore urged Lieutenant General Shaibu to ensure that constitutionalism, civilian protection, accountability and respect for human dignity become measurable and enforceable components of the Army’s renewed operational doctrine.
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