The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has disclosed plans by the Nigerian military to initiate legal action against the international news agency, Reuters, over a report alleging the forced termination of 10,000 pregnancies during counter-insurgency operations in the North-East region.
Recall that the controversial report, published in late 2022, accused the Nigerian military of running a secret abortion program targeting women impregnated by insurgents. However, a 2024 investigation by the National Human Rights Commission cleared the military of any wrongdoing.
Expressing his displeasure, General Musa criticised Reuters for failing to retract the report, or issue an apology, noting that it had unfairly tarnished the reputation of Nigeria and its armed forces.
He said, “After one and a half years of investigation, it was found that it was a complete lie. I was expecting Reuters to come in and apologize for it, but they did nothing. They did not even respond. After maligning the whole country, they have shown no accountability. I think it’s very important that Nigeria takes up this issue”.
Musa revealed that discussions had been held with the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) regarding legal proceedings, saying: “I’ve discussed with the Attorney General, and I think it’s important that Nigeria addresses this. We will not allow anyone to demoralise our troops or malign the country”.
He also suggested that such allegations often surface as part of a broader effort to undermine the military’s achievements in combating terrorism.
“What we realise is that any time we’re making progress, international organisations take it upon themselves to demoralise the country and our troops. We have refused to be demoralised; and we will not be demoralised”, he added.
