Human Rights, Security: NHRC Leads Transformative Dialogue in Kano
Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu has reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to embedding human rights principles into Nigeria’s security architecture.
Speaking at the Tripartite Partnership Programme (TPP) Interactive Forum for Military, Security, and Law Enforcement Agencies in Kano State, Thursday, Dr. Ojukwu noted “Let us come together today to reaffirm that a human rights based approach to security is the only security that endures.”
The forum, organized in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), and the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), brought together key stakeholders to explore practical strategies for integrating human rights into security operations.
Dr. Ojukwu emphasized the NHRC’s role as a bridge between the people and the state, noting its quasi-judicial powers to investigate complaints, award compensation, and monitor detention facilities.
“This engagement is especially important because around the world, the relationship between security and human rights has often been viewed as one of tension,” he said. “Yet, experience shows that respect for human rights enhances the effectiveness and legitimacy of security operations.”
Dr. Ojukwu acknowledged the critical role of Nigeria’s military, police, and other security agencies in safeguarding lives and maintaining law and order, particularly in Kano State, where rising incidents of banditry, kidnapping, and urban crimes like phone snatching have posed serious challenges.
He commended the Kano State Government’s proactive response, including the deployment of additional personnel and anti-phone snatching marshals, but urged that these efforts be guided by human rights standards.
“Protecting the rights of citizens does not weaken security; it strengthens public trust, cooperation, and ultimately national stability,” he asserted.
The NHRC, under Dr. Ojukwu’s leadership, remains committed to continuous engagement with all arms of the security sector such as: military, police, correctional service, immigration, DSS, NSCDC, NDLEA, and Hisbah, through capacity building, detention audits, and enhanced complaints handling mechanisms.
He expressed gratitude to the TPP partners and the people of Kano State for their support and hospitality, NHRC Boss reminded that, “Human rights and security are not opposing goals; they are mutually reinforcing pillars of a peaceful and democratic society.”
In his remarks, Major H.H. Gusau of the Nigerian Army said the meeting is a crucial step towards protecting and enforcing human rights.
According to him, “Together we can build a culture of promoting and protecting human rights.”
Also, in a speech, Chief Superintendent of Corrections Ismail Shehu gave a historical background of the Nigerian Correctional Service, stating that it was established in 1861.
He said the Service, under the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) Act of 2021, operates custodial and non-custodial services to protect the human rights of inmates.
