The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) has revealed that over 6,00 former Boko Haram fighters have been reintegrated back into the society
He explained that this was done through the Six-Month Demobilization, Deradicalisation and Reintegration (DDR) Programme, saying it has contributed significantly to national stability and peacebuilding.
Fagbemi disclosed this at the 24th Session of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) which started Monday at The Hague, Netherlands.
He noted that the Nigerian government has called for cooperation of member states and respect for the country’s sovereignty and constitutional framework.
Fagbemi in a statement issued Monday by his Special Adviser on Communication and Publicity, Kamarudeen Ogundele said Nigeria’s longstanding commitment to the Rome Statute system remained unwavering.
He assured of resolve to hold accountable those responsible for war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity.
Fagbemi noted: “The federal government of Nigeria reaffirms its readiness to continue working with the ICC in the fulfilment of its mandate.
“Our cooperation is firmly rooted in the principles of international law and the sovereign equality of States, and we remain committed to ensuring that such cooperation always reflects respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and constitutional framework.”
Highlighting recent national efforts aimed at strengthening the country’s commitment to international humanitarian and criminal justice norms, Fagbemi recalled that Nigeria in May convened a High-Level International Humanitarian Law Dialogue, bringing together relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies, civil society organizations, and academia.
He said Nigeria has continued to prioritise the protection of civilians and accountability during military operations.
Fagbemi added: “Our Armed Forces conduct operations in line with international humanitarian law and maintain mechanisms for independent and transparent investigations into alleged violations.
“The Six-Month Demobilization, Deradicalisation and Reintegration (DDR) Programme, our home-grown initiative, has successfully reintegrated more than 6,000 former combatants into society, contributing significantly to national stability and peacebuilding.
“Nigeria has also taken important legislative steps, including the domestication of the African Union Convention for the Protection and Assistance of Internally Displaced Persons (the Kampala Convention), which now awaits Presidential assent.
“The processes for the domestication of the Rome Statute and Additional Protocols I and II to the Geneva Conventions are ongoing. Furthermore, Nigeria has joined like-minded States in the Global Initiative to Garner Political Support for International Humanitarian Law and recently endorsed the Political Declaration on Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas.
“Consistent with the ICC’s principle of complementarity, Nigeria continues to demonstrate the capability and willingness to investigate and prosecute serious crimes committed within its jurisdiction.”