Amnesty International Reports Over 10,000 Killed in Two Years of Insecurity in Nigeria
Abuja, May 29, 2025 – Amnesty International has released a damning report revealing that at least 10,217 people have been killed in violent attacks across Nigeria’s northern and central regions since President Bola Tinubu assumed office two years ago. The report highlights a worsening security crisis marked by daily attacks from armed groups, bandits, and insurgents, which have devastated communities, displaced tens of thousands, and triggered a looming humanitarian disaster.
Key Findings of the Report
- Death Toll: The investigation verified over 10,217 deaths between May 2023 and May 2025, with Benue State suffering the highest toll of 6,896 fatalities, followed by Plateau State with 2,630 deaths. Other affected states include Katsina, Edo, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara.
- Abductions: More than 1,000 people, mostly women and girls, have been abducted, including 306 in Katsina and 467 in Zamfara.
- Villages Sacked: Bandits have sacked 638 villages in Zamfara alone, with 725 villages under bandit control across 13 local governments.
- Displacement: Approximately 65,000 people have been internally displaced, many of whom are farmers unable to cultivate their lands, intensifying food insecurity.
- New Armed Groups: The emergence of new militant groups such as Lakurawa in Sokoto and Kebbi states and Mamuda in Kwara state has expanded the violence.
Humanitarian Impact
The attacks have deprived thousands of their livelihoods and basic rights. Survivors face extreme hardship, with many resorting to begging. In Zamfara, farmers have been forced to watch their crops rot due to insecurity preventing market access. Displaced communities struggle to survive amid inadequate government response.
Amnesty International’s Criticism of Government Response
Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, condemned the government’s failure to protect citizens, stating,
“The authorities continue to fail to protect the rights to life, physical integrity, liberty, and security of tens of thousands of people across the country.”
The report accuses the Nigerian government of inaction and impunity, calling on President Tinubu to urgently address the security crisis and hold perpetrators accountable.
Government Reaction
The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) under the Office of the National Security Adviser disputed some figures in the report, describing them as inconsistent with verified data. However, President Tinubu, in his second anniversary speech, claimed that security forces have restored order in many violence-affected areas, enabling farmers to return to their fields and improving highway safety.
Context
Nigeria’s Middle Belt and northern states have long been plagued by clashes involving jihadist groups, bandits, and communal violence, often with ethnic and religious dimensions. Despite military operations, insecurity persists, with new armed groups emerging and attacks escalating in recent months.
