The NHRC has cleared the Nigerian military of allegations of forced abortions, with an investigative panel finding no evidence to support claims of a covert program terminating 10,000 pregnancies. The NHRC plans further discussions on accountability and justice for affected communities in partnership with the military and government stakeholders.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has officially dismissed allegations that the Nigerian military carried out forced abortions in the North-East. A two-year investigation by a seven-member panel, led by retired Supreme Court Justice Abdul Aboki, found no evidence to support claims that approximately 10,000 pregnancies were secretly terminated by the military as part of counter-insurgency measures.
The panel’s findings, presented at NHRC headquarters in Abuja, addressed accusations first made in a foreign report that claimed Nigerian forces had implemented a covert abortion program targeting rescued Boko Haram captives. Senior Human Rights Adviser Hilary Ogbonna clarified that the panel found no proof of a systematic abortion policy within the military.
NHRC Executive Secretary Tony Ojukwu emphasized the commission’s commitment to transparency and announced plans for public consultations to promote justice and ensure accountability. Additionally, he confirmed that the NHRC will partner with the military and the Attorney General’s Office to secure appropriate compensation for those impacted by human rights abuses.
The NHRC is organizing a civil-military forum to review the report’s recommendations and outline strategies to prevent future rights violations during military operations.
