Amnesty report on Maiduguri barracks deaths from 2016, not recent — Army

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The Headquarters of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has clarified that a report by Amnesty International alleging deaths of detainees, including children, at Giwa Barracks, Maiduguri, relates to events reported in 2016 and should not be presented as a current development.

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The clarification followed the recent recirculation of the report on social media and other platforms, with the military authorities warning that its circulation without the appropriate historical context could create the impression that the alleged deaths occurred recently.

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In a statement signed by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Captain Mohammed Goni, on X on Sunday, OPHK said the Amnesty International report was originally published in May 2016.

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According to the statement, the figures contained in the report referred to alleged deaths recorded between January and May 2016.

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“For clarity, the Amnesty International report was published in May 2016 and the figures contained therein relate to alleged deaths recorded between January and May of that year,” the statement said.

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OPHK acknowledged that the report represented Amnesty International’s account of events at the time, but stressed that its contents should not be presented as a current development or used to characterise the prevailing situation at Giwa Barracks in 2026.

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The military therefore urged media organisations, online platforms and members of the public to exercise due diligence when reproducing archival reports, particularly those dealing with sensitive security and humanitarian issues.

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“Such reports should be accompanied by their original dates and relevant context to ensure that historical allegations are not inadvertently presented as current events or used to generate unnecessary public apprehension,” OPHK said.

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The task force further stated that the Joint Investigation Centre at Giwa Barracks currently operates in accordance with Nigerian laws, established procedures and applicable international standards.

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According to OPHK, the centre places emphasis on the welfare, lawful treatment and rehabilitation of detainees, including access to necessary care, skills acquisition and vocational training, as well as Western and Islamic education.

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The statement also said the centre maintains engagement with relevant humanitarian and human rights organisations and that national and international media organisations had been granted access in 2026 to observe its activities and prevailing conditions.

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“Accordingly, OPHK reiterates its commitment to professional conduct, respect for applicable laws and standards, and the continuous improvement of the management and welfare of persons in its custody,” the statement added.

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The Joint Task Force said it remained focused on its mandate of restoring lasting peace and normalcy across the North-East through sustained and professionally conducted operations.

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OPHK also advised members of the public to verify the date, source and context of security-related reports before accepting or sharing them, especially reports concerning events from previous years.

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The task force called on media organisations to uphold responsible and accurate reporting by clearly distinguishing historical reports from current developments in the North-East.

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