Military Responds to Amnesty International's Report on Security Challenges

Strategic Insights -

The Nigerian military has dismissed a recent report by Amnesty International, which claimed a mounting death toll and looming humanitarian crisis amid unchecked attacks by armed groups. The military pointed out inaccuracies in the report's statistics and methodology, accusing Amnesty of concocting falsehoods to discredit the military's efforts.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said the report quoted 10,217 persons killed in Nigeria from May 2023 to date, but the actual number is much lower. The report also claimed 2,630 deaths in Plateau State alone, but the DHQ said this is a concoction of falsehoods. The report further claimed a looming humanitarian crisis in the Northwest region, but the DHQ said most areas mentioned have seen active military presence and restoration of civil authority.

The DHQ said the military has achieved significant milestones in degrading terrorist networks, disrupting criminal syndicates, and restoring civil authority across many volatile regions. The military has killed over 5,000 insurgents/bandits, arrested or neutralized dozens of high-value terrorist commanders, and recovered over 350 communities and villages previously under the control of terrorists and bandits.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Nigerian military has dismissed a report by Amnesty International, pointing out inaccuracies in the report's statistics and methodology.
  • The report claimed 10,217 persons killed in Nigeria from May 2023 to date, but the actual number is much lower.
  • The DHQ said 2,630 deaths in Plateau State alone is a concoction of falsehoods.
  • The military has achieved significant milestones in degrading terrorist networks, disrupting criminal syndicates, and restoring civil authority across many volatile regions.
  • The military has killed over 5,000 insurgents/bandits, arrested or neutralized dozens of high-value terrorist commanders, and recovered over 350 communities and villages previously under the control of terrorists and bandits.
  • The military has rescued over 1,200 abducted civilians and dismantled several notorious kidnapping syndicates.
  • The military has conducted over 500 successful air interdictions and close air support operations, significantly degrading the movement and logistics capability of armed groups.

Statistics:

  • 10,217 persons claimed killed in Nigeria from May 2023 to date (Amnesty International report).
  • 5,000 insurgents/bandits killed by the military.
  • 350 communities and villages recovered from terrorists and bandits.
  • 1,200 civilians rescued from abduction.
  • 500 successful air interdictions and close air support operations conducted.
  • 47 bandits kingpins neutralized in Zamfara State.
  • 2000 deliberate offensive operations conducted in Zamfara State.
  • 11 major incidents in Kebbi State between May 2024 and 2025.
  • 21 bandits neutralized in Katsina State.
  • 693 people killed in Benue State.
  • 23 own personnel killed in Benue State.

Sources:

  • Amnesty International report, "Nigeria: Mounting death toll and looming humanitarian crisis amid unchecked attacks by armed groups" (May 29, 2023).
  • Defence Headquarters (DHQ) statement on Amnesty International report (May 29, 2023).
  • Nigerian military press release on successes against terrorists and bandits (May 29, 2023).