Amnesty International condemned what it described as the Cameroon forces' "horrific use of torture" against Boko Haram fighters, saying investigations reveal wide spread war crimes, human rights violations and the use of secret torture chambers.
In a report published on Thursday, the rights group said testimonies, satellite imagery, photographic and video evidence revealed at least 20 sites belonging to the security services where torture was used routinely and some detainees were even tortured to death.
"We have repeatedly and unequivocally condemned the atrocities and war crimes committed by Boko Haram in Cameroon. But nothing could justify the callous and widespread practice of torture committed by the security forces against ordinary Cameroonians," Amnesty International's regional director for West and central Africa, Alioune Tine said.
“These horrific violations amount to war crimes. Given the weight of the evidence we have uncovered, the authorities must initiate independent investigations into these practices of incommunicado detention and torture, including potential individual and command responsibility.”