The Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has warned against the recirculation of an old Amnesty International report alleging the deaths of detainees, including children, at Giwa Barracks, Maiduguri.
The military said the report, published in May 2016, relates to alleged deaths recorded between January and May of that year and has no connection with events or conditions at the detention facility in 2026.
In a statement on Sunday by the Acting Military Information Officer, Captain Mohammed Goni, OPHK said the current circulation of the decade-old report without its historical context was misleading and could create the false impression that the reported deaths were recent.
According to the task force, while the report represented Amnesty International’s account of events at the time, its contents should not be presented as a current development or used to characterise the prevailing situation at the facility a decade later.
OPHK urged media organisations, online platforms and members of the public to exercise due diligence when reproducing archival reports, particularly those relating to sensitive security and humanitarian issues.
The military said historical reports should be accompanied by their original publication dates and relevant context to prevent past allegations from being mistaken for current events.
The task force also said the Joint Investigation Centre at Giwa Barracks currently operates in accordance with Nigerian laws, established procedures and applicable international standards.
It added that the centre prioritises the welfare and lawful treatment of detainees, including access to necessary care, skills acquisition and vocational training, as well as Western and Islamic education.
OPHK further stated that the centre engages relevant humanitarian and human rights organisations and had granted national and international media organisations access in 2026 to observe its activities and prevailing conditions.
The task force reiterated its commitment to professional conduct, respect for applicable laws and standards, and continuous improvement in the management and welfare of persons in its custody.
It said it would remain focused on restoring lasting peace and normalcy across the North East through sustained and professionally conducted operations.
OPHK urged the public to verify the date, source and context of security-related reports before accepting or sharing them, especially when such reports concern events from previous years.
The task force also called on media organisations to uphold responsible and accurate reporting by clearly distinguishing historical reports from current developments in the North East.
