Amnesty International has urged Nigerian military authorities operating under Operation Hadin Kai to immediately charge or release civilians allegedly held for prolonged periods without trial at the Joint Investigation Centre in Giwa Barracks, Maiduguri. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the human rights organisation also demanded investigations into allegations of arbitrary arrests, extortion, and prolonged detention, saying such practices violate protections under Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution and international human rights law.
“People should not be held indefinitely without charge, access to legal representation, or an opportunity to challenge the lawfulness of their detention,” Amnesty International said. The organisation documented cases of civilians from various parts of Borno State who have been arrested and detained for extended periods without formal charges.
Among those cited is Mohammed Kontoma, a roadside petrol seller from Konduga Local Government Area. He was reportedly arrested in Maiduguri in August 2025 while carrying 25 litres of fuel in containers and has allegedly remained in Giwa Barracks without trial. Another detainee, Aisami Abatcha, a pick-up driver from Gubio LGA, was reportedly arrested on April 13, 2026, along the Dunga-Gubio road. According to Amnesty International, Abatcha was detained after allegedly refusing to pay a bribe demanded by members of the Civilian Joint Task Force at a checkpoint before being handed over to military authorities.
Abubakar Isa Izge, a charcoal seller from Gwoza LGA, was allegedly arrested on the same day in Gidan Dambe by officers reported to be from the Department of State Services and transferred to Giwa Barracks. His family alleged that N700,000 went missing during his arrest, a claim Amnesty International said should be independently investigated.
The organisation also highlighted the case of Umar Usman, a fisherman from Baga town in Kukawa LGA, who was reportedly arrested in 2024 after using a small solar panel to charge mobile phones. He has allegedly remained in detention for about two years without formal charges or access to his family. Concerns were also raised about Abor Modu from Jere LGA, who was allegedly detained after reporting Civilian Joint Task Force members over extortion and threats of abduction.
Kyari Modu Kukawa was reportedly arrested in October 2025 while travelling in his vehicle along a road in Damasak, Mobbar LGA, and subsequently taken to Giwa Barracks, where he has allegedly remained without trial or access to lawyers and family members.
Amnesty International urged Nigerian authorities to investigate allegations of arbitrary arrests and extortion involving Civilian Joint Task Force personnel at checkpoints across Borno State and ensure accountability where wrongdoing is established. “The Nigerian authorities must investigate allegations of arbitrary arrests and extortion at checkpoints and ensure that anyone reasonably suspected of criminal responsibility is brought to justice through a fair process,” the organisation said.
It also called on authorities to guarantee detainees access to lawyers and their families and ensure that anyone deprived of liberty is promptly brought before a competent court. “The right to liberty means that no person should be arrested or detained without lawful grounds, including reasonable suspicion of having committed a recognisable criminal offence. The right to a fair trial also includes being brought promptly before a judge, having access to legal representation, being protected from torture and other ill-treatment, and being presumed innocent unless and until proved guilty,” Amnesty International said.
The organisation called on military authorities to review the cases of civilians held at the Joint Investigation Centre and either bring credible criminal charges before a competent court or release those against whom there is insufficient evidence. It stressed that allegations surrounding the conduct of security personnel and Civilian Joint Task Force members should be subjected to prompt, independent, and impartial investigations.
“Prolonged detention without charge or trial cannot become a substitute for justice. Anyone suspected of an offence should be charged and given a fair trial; those against whom there is no sufficient evidence should be released,” the statement concluded.
