By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has clarified that a recently recirculated Amnesty International report alleging deaths of detainees, including children, at Giwa Barracks, Maiduguri, dates back to 2016 and does not relate to conditions at the facility in 2026.
OPHK said the report, originally published in May 2016, contained allegations concerning deaths reportedly recorded between January and May of that year. It warned that recirculating the report without its historical context could create the misleading impression that the reported deaths were recent.
In a statement on Sunday, Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, urged media organisations, online platforms and members of the public to exercise due diligence when reproducing archival reports, particularly those relating to sensitive security and humanitarian issues.
Goni said historical reports should always be accompanied by their original dates and relevant context to prevent past allegations from being presented as current developments.
He explained that the Joint Investigation Centre at Giwa Barracks continues to operate in accordance with Nigerian laws, established procedures and applicable international standards.
According to him, the centre places emphasis on the welfare, lawful treatment and rehabilitation of detainees, including access to necessary care, skills acquisition, vocational training, as well as Western and Islamic education.
He added that the centre maintains engagement with relevant humanitarian and human rights organisations, while national and international media organisations had also been granted access in 2026 to observe its activities and prevailing conditions.
The military spokesman reiterated OPHK’s commitment to professional conduct, respect for applicable laws and standards, and continuous improvement in the management and welfare of persons in its custody.
He said the Joint Task Force remained focused on restoring lasting peace and normalcy across the North-East through sustained and professionally conducted operations.
Goni urged members of the public to verify the date, source and context of security-related reports before accepting or sharing them, while calling on media organisations to clearly distinguish historical reports from current developments.
