According to the IGP, the Special Investigation Panel will carry out an independent, impartial investigation into all reported cases of sexual abuse.
Responding to a Human Rights Watch report alleging that Nigerian officials had sexually abused internally displaced persons (IDPs) at camps in the North-Eastern States, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim K. Idris established a police panel on Thursday tasked with investigating such abuse.
According to a statement issued by the Nigeria Police Force headquarters in Abuja, Mr. Idris “expressed deep concern” over the report and is “irrevocably committed to the protection of all Nigerians, especially vulnerable groups such as IDPs.”
According to the IGP, the Special Investigation Panel will carry out an independent, impartial investigation into all reported cases of sexual abuse. In order to effectively carry out such an investigation, Mr. Idris called on Human Rights Watch to provide the police with more information on the 43 cases of sexual abuse reported by the organization.
The IGP further called on police chiefs located at or near IDP camps to increase security and ensure the safety of all IDPs. He added that those found guilty of any crime must be dealt with decisively in accordance with the law.
“The Nigeria Police Force assures all Nigerians and the international community that the Force will not condone any act that violates the human dignity of the IDPs by individuals or groups of persons in the IDP camps or anywhere in the country,” the statement concluded.
