The British Government has said that 900 people were kidnapped in 2014 alone in Nigeria. These include the over 270 schoolgirls from their school in Chibok, Borno State in April,2014.
In a piece titled, “Nigeria – Boko Haram and the Fight against Terrorism”, a case study from Britain’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office 2014 Human Rights and Democracy Report, the FCO estimated that more than 4,000 people were killed in Boko Haram attacks, and 900 people kidnapped in Nigeria.
Citing the United Nations’ figure, the study stated that over 1.5 million people were displaced, and at least three million have been affected by the insurgency in the North-East.
It said, “In 2014, there were increased reports of attacks by Boko Haram and counter-attacks by Nigerian armed forces in towns and villages across North-East Nigeria. Much of the violence has been concentrated in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states, but there have also been serious terrorist attacks outside these states, such as in Abuja, Jos, Kaduna, and Kano, leading to the death and injury of civilians.
“Serious human rights abuses perpetrated by Boko Haram include the bombing of public places and religious buildings, the abduction of women and children, the execution of those suspected of aiding the authorities, and fatal attacks on schools and colleges. A number of non-governmental organisations have alleged that serious human rights violations have been committed by the Nigerian security forces, including extrajudicial killings and torture.”
The FCO noted that Nigerian military courts had found 66 Nigerian military personnel guilty of mutiny and sentenced them to death, saying that the legal process, including appeals, continues. The British government, however, expressed its opposition to their death penalty.
It said, “We have made clear to the Nigerian authorities the United Kingdom’s opposition to the death penalty in all cases. We are currently providing a substantial package of military, intelligence, and development support to Nigeria to help it tackle the threat from Boko Haram.
“UK military assistance includes training and advice to Nigerian units subsequently deployed against Boko Haram. All military assistance provided to Nigeria by the UK is strictly assessed under the UK government’s Overseas Security and Justice Assistance Guidance.”
