OPENING REMARKS BY DR. TONY OJUKWU OFR, SAN, FICMC, THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION (NHRC), AT THE TRIPARTITE PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMME (TPP) INTERACTIVE FORUM FOR THE MILITARY, SECURITY, AND LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES IN KANO STATE – 30TH OCTOBER 2025
Distinguished officers, colleagues, and partners,
It is my distinct honour to welcome you to this Interactive Forum on the Protection of Human Rights for Military, Security and Law Enforcement Officials, organised under the Tripartite Partnership Programme (TPP) of the National Human Rights Commission, 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).
The NHRC was established under the 1995 Act, in accordance with the Paris Principles, and further empowered by the 2010 Amendment Act with quasi-judicial powers to investigate complaints, award compensation, and monitor detention facilities. The Commission serves as a bridge between the people and the state on matters of justice, accountability, and human dignity. The support of the Tripartite Partnership Programme under which we are gathered today represents a global commitment to strengthening National Human Rights Institutions, enhancing their independence, and improving access to justice. Through the TPP, we aim to equip our state offices and partners with the knowledge, tools, and networks necessary to deliver human rights protection more effectively.
This engagement is especially important because around the world, the relationship between security and human rights has often been viewed as one of tension. Yet, experience shows that respect for human rights enhances the effectiveness and legitimacy of security operations.
In Nigeria, our military, security and law enforcement agencies play an indispensable role in safeguarding lives, protecting territorial integrity, and maintaining law and order. The NHRC deeply appreciates your service and sacrifice in challenging circumstances. However, as security actors, it is equally vital to ensure that operations are conducted within the framework of human rights and the rule of law.
This interactive forum offers a platform for dialogue between the National Human Rights Commission and the military, security and law enforcement officials to explore practical ways to integrate human rights standards into training, operations, and accountability systems.
We believe that human rights and security are not opposing goals; they are mutually reinforcing pillars of a peaceful and democratic society. Protecting the rights of citizens does not weaken security; it strengthens public trust, cooperation, and ultimately national stability. This is particularly relevant here in Kano State, where the security landscape is complex, marked by a rise in armed banditry and kidnapping, alongside a separate surge in criminality such as phone snatching. The Kano State government’s proactive measures, including the deployment of additional security personnel, provision of vehicles and deployment of anti-phone snatching marshals are commendable steps forward. By embedding human rights principles into these efforts, such as ensuring proportionate use of force, protecting vulnerable communities, and fostering community intelligence through trust, we can address the root causes of these threats more effectively and sustainably.
The NHRC remains committed to continuous engagement with the military, police, correctional service, immigration, DSS, NSCDC, NDLEA, HISBAH and other security services. Through capacity building, audits of detention facilities, enhanced partnerships and complaints handling, we seek to promote professionalism and accountability across the security sector.
I wish to thank our partners UNDP, OHCHR, and GANHRI for supporting this initiative, and commend all participants for your commitment to service, learning and collaboration. I must also thank the Government and People of Kano State for their hospitality.
Let us come together today to reaffirm that a human rights based approach to security is the only security that endures.
Thank you.
Dr. Tony Ojukwu OFR SAN Ficmc
Executive Secretary
National Human Rights Commission
