Amnesty International: Over 10,000 Killed in Nigeria’s North and Central Regions Since 2023
In a chilling report released this week, Amnesty International revealed that more than 10,000 people have lost their lives to violence perpetrated by jihadist insurgents and armed criminal gangs across northern and central Nigeria over the past two years. The report paints a grim picture of worsening security in regions already plagued by poverty, displacement, and weak governance.
According to Amnesty’s findings, the deadliest zones include Borno, Zamfara, Kaduna, and Niger states, where communities have been attacked, villages razed, and thousands displaced. The group blames both Boko Haram and Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) for a large portion of the deaths, while also highlighting growing banditry and inter-communal conflicts. The report accuses Nigerian authorities of failing to act decisively to protect civilians.
In response, the Nigerian military issued a statement disputing the casualty figures, claiming that it has made significant strides in combating terrorism. They cited recent offensives that neutralized several insurgent leaders and reclaimed dozens of territories. However, Amnesty says that such gains are inconsistent and that in many rural areas, residents remain at the mercy of armed groups due to limited security presence.
Human rights organizations are now calling for urgent international support and domestic accountability to stem the tide of violence. “This is not just a national crisis, but a regional humanitarian catastrophe,” said Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty Nigeria. He urged the government to boost local intelligence, support victims, and prosecute security forces found complicit in human rights violations.
As the security situation continues to deteriorate, analysts warn that the unchecked violence threatens national cohesion and economic stability. The Nigerian government has pledged to implement a new counter-terrorism strategy and strengthen community policing, but for many in the affected regions, change cannot come soon enough.