Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, expressed frustration on Tuesday with what he described as “double standards” by some countries that refuse to sell military weapons to Nigeria due to human rights concerns.
Gen. Musa acknowledged the challenges Nigeria faces in combating a complex security crisis, from the insurgency in the northeast to armed groups in the northwest and central regions.
Musa emphasized the difficulty of acquiring essential military equipment, such as helicopters, drones, and Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, even with available funds.
He criticized the “double standards” of countries withholding weapons sales, citing human rights concerns while noting that some of those accusing Nigeria have committed worse offences without being held accountable. However, he did not specify the countries involved.
Nigeria’s security forces have faced longstanding allegations of extrajudicial killings and illegal arrests, leading major arms suppliers, including the United States, to withhold weapon sales at times.
In December 2023, a Nigerian army drone mistakenly targeted a religious gathering in Kaduna state, resulting in at least 85 civilian deaths.
Musa defended the military’s human rights record, stating that the armed forces are holding personnel accountable for alleged abuses.
Despite claims of improvement in human rights records, Isa Sanusi, Amnesty International’s director in Nigeria, stated that there is little evidence to support such assertions. Sanusi emphasized the need for the military to prioritize civilian protection and address human rights violations.
The frustration expressed by Gen. Musa highlights the ongoing challenges Nigeria faces in acquiring essential military equipment amid concerns about human rights and accountability in the security sector.
