23rd May, 2018
The National Human Right Commision (NHRC), on Wednesday, urged the Nigerian Army to improve on the conditions in the detention centres in Maiduguri for suspected Boko Haram insurgents who are being profiled either for prosecution or reintegration.
NHRC Executive Secretary, Mr Tony Ojukwu, made the appeal in Maiduguri.
“As you are aware, we recently visited the 200 capacity detention centre at the Giwa Barracks in Maiduguri.
“Generally, there is an improvement compared to what it used to be some few months back.
“One of the major issue then was congestion. There is an improvement but a lot more needs to be done.
“The cells are still congested,” he said.
He said, though, his team saw 12 women in the cell, they were told that 300 women suspects who were cleared of any crime have been released by the Ministry of Women Affairs.
“We have to commend them because we found out that the women were kept in separate cells, young people and adult were also kept separately which is different from what it used to be.
“The number in the male section however, is still relatively high. Also the Wash facility like the bathroom, toilets and water were still not adequately available.
“They still have challenges of water.
“We are asking for additional water facility to enable them have their shower on daily basis.
“They need to have unrestricted access to potable drinking water and adequate, toilets and washbasins in the facilities.
“We expect that the authority would put more effort to provide more boreholes and toilets facilities so that all of them can take thier bath in one day. Especially now that the weather conditions in Maiduguri is a bit harsh.
“I urge them to within the limited resources, provide all the necessary facilities to enable them meet up with minimum standard,”said Ojukwu.
The centre was commissioned on April 19.