Nigerian Army calls for closure of Amnesty International office

The Nigerian Army has called for the closure of Amnesty International offices in Nigeria, alleging there is credible evidence the organisation is working hard to destabilise the country.

The army made the call on Monday in a statement by its spokesperson Sani Usman.

This comes three days after the army accused UNICEF of aiding terrorism in the North-east.

Mr Usman said that Amnesty International’s alleged attempt to destabilise the nation was noted through the fabrication of ‘fictitious’ allegations of human rights abuses against the Nigerian security forces.

According to NAN, Usman also alleged Amnesty International had engaged in clandestine sponsorship of dissident groups to protest, as well as unfounded allegations against the leadership of the Nigerian military.

Usman added that the Nigerian branch of AI that has hitherto been well respected has deviated from the core values, principles and objectives of the original parent body in the United Kingdom.

“They have tried over the years using Boko Haram terrorists’ conflicts, Islamic Movement in Nigeria, some activists and now herders-farmers conflicts.

“The NGO is at the verge of releasing yet another concocted report against the military, ostensibly against the Nigerian Army.

“Consequently, Nigerians should be wary of AmnestyInternational (Nigeria) because its goals are to destabilise Nigeria and to dismember it.

“The Nigerian Army has no option than to call for the closure of Amnesty International offices in Nigeria, if such recklessness continues,” Usman said.

Amnesty International had on Monday said the Nigerian authorities’ failure to investigate communal clashes and bring perpetrators to justice has fuelled a bloody escalation in the conflict between farmers and herders across the country.