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The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has strongly refuted Amnesty International’s recent report alleging a rising death toll and an impending humanitarian crisis in Nigeria.
The human rights organization released the report on May 29, 2025, titled “Nigeria: Mounting death toll and looming humanitarian crisis amid unchecked attacks by armed groups,” which claimed that 10,217 people had died between May 29, 2023, and the present, with 2,630 deaths reportedly occurring in Plateau State alone.
Responding to these figures, Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, questioned the methodology and data sources used by Amnesty International, describing the statistics as unsubstantiated and misleading.
He expressed disappointment that such a reputable organization could produce figures that seem designed to undermine the efforts of the Nigerian military.
General Kangye emphasized that the report lacked context and failed to acknowledge the significant progress made by the Nigerian Armed Forces under the current administration.
He noted that the portrayal of national security as bleak and generalized did not take into account the complex, evolving nature of the threats Nigeria faces—many of which are rooted in long-standing socio-political and economic issues.
While acknowledging ongoing challenges in certain regions, the DHQ strongly denied claims that the military has been inactive or absent in addressing these threats. Since President Bola Tinubu took office in May 2023, the military has reportedly made substantial gains, including neutralizing over 5,000 insurgents and bandits across the North-East, North-West, and North-Central regions.
The military has also apprehended or eliminated numerous high-value terrorist commanders through precise, intelligence-led operations. This has enabled the recovery of more than 350 communities previously controlled by terrorists and bandits in states such as Borno, Niger, Zamfara, and Katsina.
Additionally, troops have maintained a continuous presence in volatile areas like Maru (Zamfara), Bokkos (Plateau), and Logo (Benue), allowing displaced residents to return home under military protection.
General Kangye highlighted that over 1,200 abducted civilians—including women and children—have been rescued during military operations, with several notorious kidnapping groups dismantled. The Nigerian Air Force has contributed significantly, conducting more than 500 successful air interdiction and close support missions that have disrupted the logistics and movements of armed groups.
Addressing accusations of military impunity, Kangye explained that the Defence Headquarters rigorously investigates alleged misconduct.
Court-martials are convened regularly, and systems such as the Report Desk and emergency hotlines have been established to ensure operational transparency. Suspects and collaborators apprehended during operations are handed over to relevant security agencies like the DSS and Nigerian Police Force for prosecution.
The DHQ also challenged Amnesty International’s specific claims about Plateau, Benue, Katsina, and Zamfara States. Kangye described the reported figure of 2,630 deaths in Plateau over two years as false and part of a misleading agenda.
He pointed out that security has generally improved since mid-2023, with only isolated attacks occurring in some communities of Plateau State.
Similarly, the military dismissed the report’s portrayal of insecurity in the North-West region—including Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Katsina—as exaggerated.
While acknowledging the severity of the security challenges in the region, Kangye stated that the report failed to reflect the multi-faceted strategies and sacrifices made by security forces, as well as the tangible progress in dismantling terrorist and bandit networks.
In Zamfara, for example, the military claimed to have neutralized over 47 bandit leaders and conducted more than 2,000 offensive operations in the last two years. They rescued 687 abductees, recovered stolen livestock, destroyed numerous bandit camps, and apprehended over 200 collaborators.
In Sokoto State, operations continue against groups like the Lakurawa, while in Kebbi, only 11 major incidents were recorded from May 2024 to 2025, with prompt military responses minimizing casualties.
Katsina State has also seen a significant reduction in attacks thanks to active patrols and intelligence sharing with local communities. Recently, 21 bandits were neutralized during ongoing operations in Ruwan Godiya, and numerous key informants aiding bandits have been arrested in various LGAs.
Contrary to Amnesty’s claims, only seven out of Benue’s 23 local government areas are currently affected by insecurity, with the rest remaining relatively peaceful.
DHQ records show 693 deaths in Benue during the reviewed period, a figure that contrasts with the report. Furthermore, many internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in Benue are reportedly near empty, as civilians tend to occupy them only during relief distributions.
The Defence Headquarters condemned Amnesty International’s recent reports as increasingly inaccurate, misleading the public and eroding trust in both media and civil society organizations.
General Kangye reaffirmed the military’s dedication to upholding human rights and adhering to international humanitarian law. While any misconduct is taken seriously and investigated thoroughly, he stressed that isolated incidents should not be mistaken for official policy.
The Defence Headquarters reiterated its unwavering commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s citizens, restoring peace, and protecting the country’s territorial integrity.