Amnesty International’s recent report paints a grim picture of escalating insecurity in Nigeria, alleging a substantial increase in attacks by armed groups and bandits since President Bola Tinubu assumed office two years ago. The organization claims that at least 10,217 people have been killed and 672 villages razed in this period. Benue State is identified as the most severely impacted, with a reported death toll of 6,896, followed by Plateau State with 2,630 fatalities. Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara states also feature prominently in the report as areas experiencing significant violence. Amnesty International attributes the surge in violence to a perceived lack of government action and protection for citizens, arguing that this inaction has emboldened criminal elements to operate with impunity.
The report details a pattern of attacks, abductions, and displacement across several states. In Katsina State, Amnesty International claims to have verified the deaths of over 294 individuals and documented the abduction of 306 people, predominantly women and girls, between May 2023 and May 2025. Zamfara State is depicted as particularly beleaguered, with 529 villages reportedly under the control of bandits, and a constant barrage of attacks, sometimes multiple incidents occurring within a single day. Over the past two years, the report claims 273 people have been killed and 467 abducted in Zamfara. Plateau State has also witnessed significant violence, with armed herders allegedly carrying out 38 attacks and displacing residents from at least 43 villages in four local government areas between March 27 and April 2, 2025.
The Nigerian government, however, vehemently disputes Amnesty International’s findings, dismissing the report as sensationalist and lacking credible methodology. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, questioned the accuracy of the figures presented, suggesting that the lived experiences of affected communities contradict the report’s narrative. The government points to the resettlement of communities, the cultivation of previously abandoned farmlands, and the reopening of markets as evidence of progress in addressing security challenges and boosting the rural economy.
The government’s response emphasizes the complexity of the security situation, highlighting efforts made to restore stability and improve livelihoods in affected areas. While acknowledging the ongoing challenges, the government contends that Amnesty International’s report fails to acknowledge the positive strides made in addressing insecurity and improving the lives of citizens in vulnerable communities. This divergence in perspectives underscores the difficulty in obtaining accurate and unbiased assessments of the security situation, with both sides presenting contrasting narratives.
Amnesty International’s Director, Isa Sanusi, asserts that the security situation has deteriorated since President Tinubu took office, contradicting the government’s claims of progress. He accuses the authorities of failing to uphold the fundamental rights of citizens to life, physical integrity, liberty, and security. The organization further warns of an impending humanitarian crisis, as widespread displacement prevents farmers from cultivating their lands, leading to food insecurity and economic hardship. The report highlights the plight of displaced communities, many of whom are forced to rely on begging for survival. It cites the example of farmers in Zamfara State who are unable to transport their harvests to market due to bandit activity, resulting in significant economic losses.
The clashing narratives presented by Amnesty International and the Nigerian government highlight the challenges in addressing the complex security situation in the country. While Amnesty International paints a picture of escalating violence and government inaction, the government emphasizes its efforts to restore stability and improve livelihoods. This discrepancy underscores the need for independent and verifiable assessments of the security situation to inform effective policy responses and ensure the protection of civilian populations. The looming humanitarian crisis, driven by displacement and economic disruption, adds further urgency to the need for a comprehensive and sustainable solution to the ongoing security challenges.
