A new report by Amnesty International has accused Nigerian police, military forces, and the South-East regional security outfit, Ebube Agu, of involvement in widespread human rights abuses—including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and arbitrary arrests—in the South-East region of the country.
The report, titled “A Decade of Impunity: Attacks and Unlawful Killings in Southeast Nigeria,” paints a grim picture of escalating violence and lawlessness perpetrated by both state and non-state actors between January 2021 and December 2024.
According to the findings, at least 1,844 people were killed between January 2021 and June 2023 alone, with victims caught in the crossfire of violence carried out by security forces, regional militias, criminal gangs, and so-called “unknown gunmen.”
“The Nigerian authorities’ brutal clampdown on pro-Biafra protests since August 2015 plunged the South-East into a cycle of bloodshed and fear,” said Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria. “Communities are trapped between violent non-state actors and security forces who are supposed to protect them but instead contribute to the violence.”
Key Findings:
1,844 deaths recorded from violence between state and non-state actors (2021–2023)
Over 400 killed in Imo State alone between 2019 and 2021
Widespread enforced disappearances, torture, and arbitrary arrests
Systematic abuse by Ebube Agu, including extrajudicial executions and harassment of state critics
Entire communities displaced or taken over by armed groups in areas of Imo and Anambra states
The report is based on 100 interviews conducted with survivors, witnesses, civil society actors, and community leaders across Enugu, Imo, Anambra, and Delta states. Research missions were carried out between April and November 2023.
“Unknown Gunmen” and Rising Insecurity
The report details how armed groups—commonly referred to as “unknown gunmen”—have taken control of some areas, extorting residents during traditional events and violently retaliating against those who resist.
One survivor from Ihiala described how attackers carried out raids with guns and machetes:
“If they come for an attack, anyone that blocks their way, they will kill them. It has been a terrible situation—people are scared…”
Although the government often attributes these attacks to the pro-Biafra separatist group IPOB and its militant wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), IPOB has denied involvement. Nonetheless, the group’s enforcement of “sit-at-home” orders has resulted in violence against civilians and widespread disruption of schools, businesses, and economic life in the region.
Abuses by State-Backed Forces and Security Agencies
The report heavily criticizes Ebube Agu, a paramilitary force set up by South-East governors in April 2021. Amnesty alleges the outfit has been used to suppress dissent and has committed multiple human rights violations including:
Arbitrary arrests and detentions
Torture and extrajudicial killings
Enforced disappearances
Destruction of homes and properties
Security forces—including the Nigerian military and police—were also implicated in unlawful killings and indiscriminate operations that have left entire communities in fear.
Despite the serious nature of these allegations, Nigerian authorities have yet to issue a response to the report as of the time of publication.
Amnesty’s Demands
Amnesty International is urging the Nigerian government to:
End the climate of impunity
Investigate all allegations of human rights violations, regardless of the perpetrator
Prosecute those responsible through fair trials
Provide justice and reparations to victims and their families
“No one knows the exact number of people killed or disappeared in the region since 2015. The Nigerian authorities must take urgent action to end this lawlessness and protect citizens,” Sanusi emphasized.
Background
This report builds on Amnesty’s earlier findings, including a 2016 publication detailing brutal crackdowns on pro-Biafra activists. Despite sharing the latest findings with state governors and federal security agencies, Amnesty International says no responses have been received.
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