The Defence Headquarters (DHq) has firmly rejected a recent Amnesty International report on Nigeria’s security situation, calling it misleading and lacking proper context. Military officials argue the report ignores significant progress made by Nigerian forces in tackling insecurity nationwide.
Amnesty International’s Wednesday report accused the government of failing to protect citizens from armed groups, citing 10,217 deaths and 672 displaced villages in two years. Benue State reportedly suffered most with 6,896 deaths, followed by Plateau State with 2,630 casualties.
Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, responded Friday, criticizing the report’s unverified statistics and oversimplified analysis. While acknowledging civil society’s watchdog role, he stressed the report disregarded Nigeria’s complex security landscape and military achievements.
“We respect civil society’s work but must challenge these sweeping claims that ignore our troops’ sacrifices,” Kangye stated. He emphasized the report’s failure to account for socio-political factors fueling insecurity while overlooking measurable security improvements.
The military spokesperson highlighted operational successes since President Tinubu’s 2023 inauguration, including stabilized regions previously overrun by violence. He dismissed Amnesty’s Plateau State displacement figures as fabricated, noting enhanced security since mid-2023 prevented such mass movements.
Regarding Benue’s reported 6,896 deaths, Kangye called the number exaggerated, presenting military records showing 693 fatalities. He added that many IDP camps have emptied as families return home, contradicting Amnesty’s displacement narrative.
In Zamfara, Kangye revealed troops conducted 2,000+ operations, rescuing 687 hostages and eliminating 1,500+ terrorists. He also refuted claims about inaccessible zones in Sokoto, detailing successful clearances of bandit hideouts near Bafarawa and Gebe.
The DHQ urged balanced reporting, warning that inaccurate data could erode public trust and demoralize frontline personnel. “Constructive criticism must replace sensationalism,” Kangye asserted, noting ongoing efforts to address insecurity’s root causes.
While recognizing persistent challenges, the military reaffirmed its commitment to national security and citizen protection. Officials called for collaborative solutions with stakeholders, emphasizing that progress, though gradual, deserves acknowledgment alongside legitimate concerns about remaining threats.
The statement concluded by reiterating the armed forces’ dedication to preserving Nigeria’s territorial integrity while pursuing lasting peace through comprehensive security strategies and community engagement initiatives.