Irabor: Military Maintains Zero Tolerance for Sexual Exploitation, Gender-based Violence

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Lucky Irabor, said yesterday that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) pursued a policy of zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and gender-based violence.

He stated that the armed forces “as a noble and well- respected professional institution, maintained zero tolerance to these unacceptable vices, particularly, sexual and gender-based violence”.

Irabor spoke yesterday at a one-day sensitisation workshop on human rights, gender-based violence and human trafficking for military personnel and their families residing within the various military barracks in Abuja.

He restated the commitment and willingness of the military hierarchy to sustain and consolidate government’s efforts in fostering human rights and gender-based violence-free nation.

Irabor, who was represented by the Chief of Defence Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal LD Sanda, posited that the establishment of the human rights office and gender adviser in the armed forces were part of “stringent measures adopted to guard against these inhumane acts where perpetrators are sanctioned”.

In her remarks, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Pauline Tallen, urged the Defence Headquarters to sustain the campaign drive to other military barracks spread across the various states.

The minister, who was represented by the Special Adviser, Technical, Ministry of Women Affairs, Princess Jumai Idonije, called for concerted efforts by all stakeholders, individuals, community leaders and the political will at national and state levels in the prevention and eradication of what she described as, “the linkage between human rights, sexual and gender-based violence and harmful practices.”

In her remarks, the United Nations (UN) Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms Comfort Lamptey, stated that the AFN was among the range of partners working with the Nigeria Country Officer of UN Women on the execution of intervention programmes to transform gender equality landscape of the country.