The Chief of Defense Staff of Nigeria, General Christopher Musa, has condemned Boko Haram’s tactics in Northeast Nigeria, labeling their actions a “crime against humanity.”
Speaking in an interview with Channels Television, he expressed frustration over the group’s use of civilians as human shields, a strategy designed to exploit the Nigerian military’s adherence to international laws.
“Boko Haram has realized that we follow international law, but they don’t,” General Musa stated. “What do they do? They hide among the people as human shields, making it impossible for us to act without endangering innocent lives.”
The Islamic sect’s continued violence and their manipulation of civilian populations have exacerbated the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.
General Musa called for greater cooperation between the government and local communities, emphasizing that public support is crucial to uprooting the insurgents.
“We need the help of the people. These criminals are hiding among them,” he said, urging citizens to collaborate with security forces to expose the extremists’ movements.
Boko Haram’s use of human shields has drawn widespread condemnation, as it directly contravenes international humanitarian laws. The group’s tactics complicate the military’s operations and increase the risks to innocent civilians caught in the conflict.
The fight against Boko Haram has been ongoing for over a decade, with millions displaced and thousands killed in the insurgency. General Musa’s remarks highlight the pressing need for both local and international support to bring an end to the violence and restore peace to the affected regions.
