Human Rights Watch (HRW) have released a detailed report on activities that could amount to crimes against humanity in during violence between Boko Haram militants and government forces in Nigeria in 2009.

The report, which is based on field research between July 2010 and July 2012, details allegations of systematic murder and persecution by the Islamist militia Boko Haram, as well as numerous abuses such as extrajudicial killings by government security forces.

Boko Haram, which translates as ‘Western education is a sin’, want to impose strict Sharia law in northern Nigeria, and focus their attacks on police, government security agents and Christians as well as Muslims accused of cooperating with the government.

HRW claims that poverty, corruption, police abuse and impunity has made Nigeria an ideal breeding ground for violent militancy.

Africa director at HRW, Daniel Bekele said,

“The unlawful killing by both Boko Haram and Nigerian security forces only grows worse; both sides need to halt this downward spiral. Nigeria’s government should swiftly bring to justice the Boko Haram members and security agents who have committed these serious crimes.”

“Boko Haram has callously murdered people while they pray at church services in northern Nigeria. It has also gunned down Muslims who openly oppose the group’s horrific violence.”

“Nigeria’s government has a responsibility to protect its citizens from violence, but also to respect international human rights law. Instead of abusive tactics that only add to the toll, the authorities should prosecute without delay those responsible for such serious crimes.”