How we’re tackling sexual, gender-based violence at barracks-DHQ

The Defence Headquarters says the Armed Forces have adopted stringent measures against sexual and gender-based violence at barracks to ensure that they remain safe for everyone.

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor, said this in Abuja yesterday at a one-day sensitization and awareness campaign on human right, gender-based violence and human trafficking, organised by the High Military Command.

Irabor, represented by the Chief of Defence Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Dahiru Sanda, said the creation of the human right office and gender adviser in the army had provided the necessary avenue to watch out for perpetrators and ensure they were sanctioned.

He said cases of rape in the army were never handled with glove hands as perpetrators were court martialed and if found guilty, the culprits were usually dismissed from the service and made to serve various jail terms as stipulated in relevant laws.

“I make bold to intimate this gathering that there have been limited and isolated cases of gender-based violence within our barracks which the military authorities are able to handle with utmost professionalism.

“This effort would be sustained beyond Abuja to other parts of the country where our personnel and their families are serving.”

Gender Adviser, Defence Headquarters, Brig.-Gen. Christiana Thomas, said the military had adopted the law that would protect the vulnerable groups from such abuses by encouraging them to speak out.

He said the military now had desk offices in all formations and units where victims could report such cases.