Nigeria’s international image suffers from arms embargo due to human rights concerns. Defense Chief, General Christopher Musa, has expressed frustration over these double standards that are hindering the acquisition of essential military equipment to combat the multiple security challenges facing the country.
As Nigeria grapples with a complex security crisis, ranging from Islamist militant insurgency in the northeast to armed groups targeting travelers and communities in the northwest and central regions, the inability obtaining adequate military equipment is a major obstacle.
Musa stressed the urgent need to acquire helicopters, drones and MRAP armored vehicles, but some countries are reluctant to sell these weapons due to concerns over human rights. He denounced the “double standards” which complicate the country’s security situation, without naming the nations in question.
Although Nigeria has been criticized for human rights violations, Musa said steps were being taken to improve the human rights record and abuses were being systematically investigated. However, Isa Sanusi, director of Amnesty International in Nigeria, stresses that more work needs to be done to ensure the protection of civilians and ensure accountability of the armed forces.
U.S. military assistance to Nigeria has included training on civilian protection, but restrictions on arms sales persist. Despite the progress made, it is essential that Nigeria further improves its respect for human rights to strengthen its legitimacy on the international stage.
This situation highlights the challenges African countries face in procuring vital military equipment, while maintaining impeccable human rights records. The balance between national security and respect for fundamental rights remains a crucial issue for Nigeria and other developing nations.