HURIWA urges Army to rescue 52 children after 90 days

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria has commended the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, and Nigerian Army troops for their recent operational successes against terrorists.

HURIWA, however, urged the military to intensify efforts to rescue 52 children and other Nigerians reportedly held in captivity for about 90 days.

The National Coordinator of the association, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, stated this in a statement on Monday.

Onwubiko particularly commended troops of the 162 Amphibious Battalion, Operation Hadin Kai, for repelling an attack on the Forward Operating Base, Mandaragirau, in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State.

The group said the operation demonstrated the troops’ preparedness and tactical capacity.

It also commended the soldiers for their courage and professionalism during the operation.

HURIWA said the reported recovery of weapons and military equipment from the attackers further demonstrated the troops’ operational capacity.

However, the rights group said military successes must ultimately be measured by their impact on civilians affected by terrorism.

The association therefore urged Shaibu to strengthen coordination with the Chief of Defence Staff and other Service Chiefs to facilitate the rescue of the 52 children and other victims.

“The objective of counter-terrorism operations is not simply to defeat terrorists in combat but to protect citizens and restore their freedom and security,” HURIWA said.

The group described the prolonged captivity of the victims as a serious humanitarian and national security concern.

It also urged the military and other security agencies to intensify intelligence-sharing and joint operations to locate the victims.

HURIWA called for closer collaboration among the Army, Air Force, Navy, police and intelligence agencies.

The association further expressed concern over reports of individuals exploiting affected families by demanding money while allegedly posing as representatives of abductors.

It said the development reinforced the need for effective communication between security agencies and families of victims.

“Every additional day in captivity exposes these victims, particularly the children, to unacceptable risks,” the group said.

HURIWA urged the Federal Government to ensure that affected families received regular information and appropriate support during the rescue efforts.

The association also appealed to residents of affected communities to provide credible information to security agencies.

It cautioned against spreading unverified information capable of compromising ongoing operations or endangering victims.

HURIWA said it remained confident in the professionalism of the Armed Forces but urged the military authorities to sustain the current operational momentum.

The group maintained that the ultimate measure of success in the fight against terrorism should be the restoration of peace, protection of civilians and safe return of those in captivity.