A coalition of young Nigerians from the northern region, operating under the banner of the Northern Youth Frontiers, has accused Amnesty International of publishing what it called “misleading, disruptive, and agenda-driven reports on Nigeria’s security situation.
In a statement issued Friday, the group’s National Coordinator, Sama Musa, criticised the human rights organisation’s recent report, which highlighted growing insecurity in parts of the country and criticised the government’s inability to protect its citizens.
We believe that Amnesty International’s recent publications are not only careless but also deliberately mischievous, aimed at inciting chaos and undermining national security,” Musa stated.
Musa argued that Amnesty’s reports present a skewed picture of Nigeria’s security challenges and fail to acknowledge ongoing efforts by the Federal Government and security forces to restore peace across the country.
While our nation continues to battle terrorism, banditry, and other security threats, our security agencies have made substantial progress. Amnesty International’s selective reporting paints a distorted image and emboldens those who seek to destabilise Nigeria, he said.
The group further claimed that Amnesty International’s approach prioritizes sensationalism over context, focusing on alleged human rights abuses without addressing the complexities faced by security forces in conflict zones.
These reports demoralize our troops, mislead the international community, and promote disunity among citizens. They overlook the sacrifices of our military and law enforcement officers who risk their lives daily, the statement added.
The Northern Youth Frontiers urged the Federal Government to investigate Amnesty International’s activities within Nigeria and consider legal action if necessary.
Organisations that repeatedly mislead the public and incite unrest should not operate unchecked. A formal inquiry should determine the intent and impact of their publications on national security, Musa said.
The group also recommended launching public awareness campaigns to counter misinformation and promote trust in the efforts of security personnel.
Educating the public about the realities on the ground is essential to fostering unity and resilience, the group added.
The comments from the youth coalition come in response to a report released last Friday by Amnesty International Nigeria, which detailed a spike in attacks and mass killings across the country. The organisation reported that at least 65 people were killed in a single week, citing incidents in Katsina and Plateau states, and accused Nigerian authorities of failing to protect citizens or prosecute perpetrators.
Amnesty’s report stated: Alarming escalation of attacks, abductions for ransom, and frequent killings across Nigeria have left people feeling more unsafe, showing utter failure of the Nigerian authorities to protect lives and properties.
The report has drawn both praise from civil society and pushback from government-aligned groups.
