NHRC Wants Security Agencies to Stop Torturing Citizens

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has spoken against torture by security and other law enforcement agents in the country on citizens.

The commission, therefore, called on the government and stakeholders at all levels to work harder to ensure that torture, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment meted out on citizens by security and law enforcement personnel is completely eradicated in the society, even as it called on the government to immediately put mechanism in place to check terrorism, kidnapping and banditry.

The Executive Secretary of the commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu, made the call in Abuja during the celebration of the 2022 International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.

Speaking at the event last weekend to commemorate the day observed globally on June 26 annually, Ojukwu called on security agencies to desist from any form of torture, inhuman and degrading treatment while carrying out their operations, urging them to embrace international best practices in conducting investigations which according to him gives high regard to respect for human rights.

He equally expressed concern over private citizens’ involvement in this ugly practice, describing it as deeply disturbing to the commission.

According to him, “The international event is significant because it provides the opportunity to reassess the conduct of law enforcement agencies, groups, and individuals in order to ensure that they operate within the ambit of national, regional or international law.”