EXPLORING THE ACCOUNTABILITY MEASURES FOR HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS BY THE NIGERIAN SECURITY FORCES IN INTERNAL SECURITY OPERATIONS

Abstract

The lack of effective accountability measures for human rights violations in Nigeria especially with regards to the Nigerian security personnel that violate the human rights of the people and perpetuate crimes during their internal security operations (ISOPs) is greatly disturbing. The question as to how we can hold these security personnel accountable for the recurring phenomenon of human rights violations and crimes is yet unanswered? This paper thus, explored the available accountability measures and exposed whose responsibility it is to ensure effective enforcement of the accountability measures. The study found that the weak system of democratic civil control of the security forces in Nigeria constitute the major clog that hindered accountability for the recurring phenomenon of human rights violations and crimes by the Nigerian security forces in internal security operations. The research recommended that Nigerian government should developed a system of democratic civil control of the security forces in Nigeria which would establish clear oversight and disciplinary mechanisms, enact a domestic legislation that will serve as a legally binding Rules of Engagement of the Nigerian security forces in ISOPs in Nigeria stipulating strict accountability measures, stiffer penalties for these abuses and justice for all human rights violations and other crimes by the Nigerian security forces in their internal security operations.