By Nkechi Eze
Headquarters Joint Task Force, North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has clarified that a report by Amnesty International alleging deaths of detainees, including children, at Giwa Barracks, Maiduguri, dates back to 2016 and does not reflect the current situation at the facility.
According to a statement signed by the Acting Military Information Officer, Headquarters JTF North East, Operation HADIN KAI, Captain Mohammed Goni, the report was published in May 2016 and contained figures relating to alleged deaths recorded between January and May of that year.
Goni said the recirculation of the report without its historical context was misleading and could create the false impression that the reported deaths were recent occurrences.
He stressed that while the report represented Amnesty International’s account of events at the time, its contents should not be presented as a current development or used to characterise conditions at Giwa Barracks a decade later.
The military 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 matters.
OPHK said the Joint Investigation Centre at Giwa Barracks currently operates in accordance with extant Nigerian laws, established procedures and applicable international standards.
According to the statement, the centre places emphasis on the welfare and lawful treatment of detainees, as well as their rehabilitation through access to necessary care, skills acquisition, vocational training, Western and Islamic education.
It 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.
OPHK reiterated its commitment to professional conduct, respect for applicable laws and standards, and continuous improvement in the management and welfare of persons in its custody.
The Joint Task Force said it remained focused on restoring lasting peace and normalcy across the North East through sustained and professionally conducted operations.
The command also urged the public to verify the date, source and context of security-related reports before accepting or sharing them, particularly reports concerning events from previous years.
Goni further called on media organisations to uphold responsible and accurate reporting by clearly distinguishing historical reports from current developments in the North East.
