Why is Amnesty bringing its 10,217-death Nigeria security report back into focus?
Amnesty International is bringing renewed attention to a report documenting the deaths of at least 10,217 people in attacks by armed groups across seven Nigerian states during the first two years of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The report, originally published in May 2025, documented attacks by armed groups between May 2023 and May 2025.
But Amnesty says its renewed focus on the findings is aimed at raising public awareness and pressing authorities to address the worsening insecurity. Isa Sanusi, Amnesty International’s Nigeria director, said the organisation wants to keep the issue in the public spotlight and push for accountability.
The timing is significant. Nigeria is approaching the 2027 general elections, with insecurity likely to remain a major political issue.
President Bola Tinubu is seeking re-election alongside a growing field of contenders, with the vote expected to be closely watched amid concerns over security, the economy and the government’s record in tackling violence.
The original investigation documented 6,896 deaths in Benue and 2,630 in Plateau, making the two states the worst affected among those examined. Amnesty also reported at least 294 people killed and 306 abducted in Katsina, while in Zamfara, it documented more than 273 deaths and 467 abductions during the two-year period.
Amnesty further reported that 638 villages had been sacked by bandits in Zamfara, while another 725 villages were reportedly under bandit control across 13 local government areas. In Benue, the organisation said more than 200 villages had been sacked and about 450,000 people displaced.
The organisation says the figures remain relevant — and that sustained public pressure and accountability are needed to address Nigeria’s continuing security crisis.
