
The prosecutor of the international war crimes court in The Hague has called for an official investigation in crimes against humanity in Nigeria.
The call follows a 10-year investigation into violence in northeastern Nigeria involving Boko Haram.
Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said most of the crimes were committed by “non-state actors” but it could not be ruled out that Nigerian security forces also needed to be investigated.
The conflict in Nigeria has killed more than 30,000 people and displaced more than two million.
Preparations for the ICC, which itself began in 2010, have now concluded that “the criteria for opening an investigation into Nigeria’s crisis have been met.”
Amnesty International has welcomed the move to investigate crimes in Nigeria.
ICC Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda described the decision as a “justice” for victims.
Ms. Bensouda has released a long list of alleged crimes committed by Boko Haram, including crimes against humanity, war crimes, murder, rape, sexual slavery, torture, torture, kidnapping and children under the age of 15 armed and forced to join the Booko Haram armed groups.