Binoculating the Nigerian Army, Police and the Militias in the Trench-hold of Human Rights (1999Upwards)

Abstract

This study focused on the activities of the police, army and the militias with regards to the human rights of the Nigerian citizens from 1999 upwards. It examined and juxtaposed both their positive and negative contributions to the safeguarding of human rights in the country. Since its independence in 1960 and up until the democratization of the country, the situation of human rights in Nigeria has been a serious issue and major concern. This is common in most states of the world drama stage as the idea of inalienable right of man predates political systems; as such most countries are concerned about how to safeguard the rights of its citizens. The study which is drawn on secondary sources of data concludes that the police, army and the militia have contributed more negatively to human rights than in the positive sense. Some policy recommendations that might be of great assistance in the course of the two government agencies (police and the army) discharging their duty diligently, with the aim of positively impacting on their human rights record were made. It is hoped that such would serve as harbinger to reduce the activities of militia groups and become a boost to the democratic process in the country.