LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-Nigerian Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have called on the support of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate crimes committed by both terrorists and security operatives in the country.
This plea was made during a meeting between the CSOs and ICC Deputy Prosecutor, Mame Niang in Nigeria.
In a statement released on Sunday by the CSO Steering Committee Chair, Chino Obiagwu, the call for ICC intervention highlights the failure of Nigerian authorities to effectively address the escalating violence.
Obiagwu emphasised the need for ICC Prosecutor, Mr. Karim Khan, to open full investigations into allegations of massive atrocity crimes perpetrated by criminal gangs, terrorists, and law enforcement and military operatives in Nigeria.
The appeal comes amidst persistent security challenges in Nigeria, including terrorism, banditry, and kidnappings, dating back to 2009.
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The Boko Haram insurgency, in particular, has devastated the North-eastern region, resulting in mass displacement and loss of lives. Events such as the abduction of hundreds of schoolgirls from Chibok in April 2014 underscore the severity of the situation.
Obiagwu lamented that these incidents have left communities traumatized and perpetuated fear and instability across the country. Despite evidence of atrocities committed by both military forces and insurgents, the Nigerian government has faced criticism for its inadequate response. Former ICC Prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, highlighted credible evidence of widespread and systematic atrocity crimes in a report issued in 2021.
During the recent meeting between Nigerian CSOs and ICC Deputy Prosecutor Niang in Abuja, evidence of alleged atrocities was presented, signaling a concerted effort to seek accountability and justice. However, significant challenges remain, including Nigeria’s complex security landscape and the reluctance of some government officials to cooperate with international bodies like the ICC.
Despite these challenges, there is optimism that ICC intervention could help curtail the atrocities plaguing Nigeria. CSOs express hope that the ICC’s involvement will contribute to reducing impunity and deterring further violations. Nigerian NGOs, under the banner of the Nigerian Coalition for the International Criminal Court (NCICC), have pledged their commitment to supporting the ICC in its quest for justice and the fight against impunity in Nigeria.
In response to the CSOs’ petition, ICC Deputy Prosecutor Mame Niang reiterated the court’s commitment to ensuring accountability for international crimes. Niang acknowledged the gravity of the situation in Nigeria and assured the CSOs of the ICC’s thorough review of the evidence presented. He emphasized the importance of cooperation from all stakeholders, including the Nigerian government, to facilitate meaningful investigations and prosecutions.