Nigeria Disputes Amnesty International’s Claim of Over 10,000 Killings Under President Tinubu
A recent report by Amnesty International Nigeria stating that more than 10,000 Nigerians have been killed in the past two years under President Bola Tinubu’s administration has been publicly disputed by the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) under the Office of the National Security Adviser. The NCTC claims that the figures and assertions in the report are inconsistent with verified government data.
According to Amnesty International, their data shows that 10,217 people have been killed in attacks by gunmen in several states since May 29, 2023. The rights group has called on President Tinubu to address the resurgence of the nation’s security crisis, citing the recent escalation of attacks by Boko Haram and other armed groups as evidence that the government’s security measures are not working.
However, in a letter addressed to the Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, the Coordinator of the NCTC, Adamu Laka, a major-general, stated that "several of the figures and assertions contained therein are inconsistent with verified data in our possession." The centre expressed concern over the report’s "overly alarming narrative," warning that it could mislead the public, damage Nigeria’s international image, and embolden terrorist and criminal groups.
The NCTC has urged Amnesty International to withhold the publication of the report pending a thorough engagement to address what the centre sees as "evident gaps and potential misinformation." The centre has also extended an invitation to Amnesty International for a consultative meeting to review the report’s content, reconcile discrepancies, and exchange views on ongoing security efforts and challenges facing the country.
This development comes as President Tinubu marks his second year in office, amid high insecurity in the country. The NCTC’s response highlights the ongoing debate over the effectiveness of the government’s security measures and the need for accurate and objective reporting on the security situation in Nigeria. As the country continues to grapple with insecurity, the need for constructive engagement and mutual understanding between the government and civil society organisations has never been more pressing.
