FG challenges Amnesty death toll report, seeks dialogue

The Federal Government, through the National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), has formally challenged Amnesty International Nigeria’s recent report which alleged that over 10,000 Nigerians have been killed due to violent attacks over the past two years.

In a letter dated May 28, 2025, signed by Maj. Gen. Adamu Garba Laka, Coordinator of the NCTC, the government accused Amnesty of presenting a “misleading and exaggerated narrative” that not only contradicts verified data but also risks inciting fear, damaging Nigeria’s global image, and emboldening criminal elements.

FG Invites Amnesty to Review Report, Urges Suspension of Publication

Rather than a combative response, the NCTC took a conciliatory tone by inviting Amnesty International Nigeria to a consultative meeting aimed at reviewing the report and addressing what it called “evident gaps” and inaccuracies.

The Centre urged Amnesty to withhold publication of the report in its current form, warning that releasing the unverified figures would create an unnecessary panic and misinform both domestic and international audiences.

“The report, in its current form, presents an overly alarming narrative which does not reflect the broader realities on the ground,” the NCTC stated.

“It risks misinforming the public, damaging the international image of the country, and inadvertently encouraging terrorists and criminal elements by exaggerating the impact of their atrocities.”

A Call for Constructive Engagement

Acknowledging the watchdog role of civil society organizations, the NCTC expressed a willingness to collaborate with Amnesty, emphasizing that accuracy, balance, and context are essential in reporting human rights issues in volatile environments like Nigeria.

“We recognize and value the role of Civil Society Organizations in documenting human rights concerns,” Maj. Gen. Laka wrote,
“but such efforts must be pursued with accuracy, objectivity, and a careful understanding of the prevailing national security context.”

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The proposed meeting, the NCTC added, would serve as a platform to not only reconcile discrepancies in casualty figures but also to highlight ongoing government efforts and challenges in addressing security threats across the country.

Background and Fallout

Amnesty International Nigeria’s report had stated that over 10,000 lives had been lost since President Bola Tinubu assumed office in May 2023, with many deaths linked to attacks by armed groups across states like Benue, Plateau, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kebbi.

This latest development comes months after Amnesty also alleged that over 10,000 detainees have died in military custody since the beginning of the Boko Haram insurgency—a claim the Nigerian government has consistently denied.

The controversy has triggered widespread debate over the accuracy of casualty reports and the level of transparency in Nigeria’s handling of security operations. Analysts argue that while the figures may differ, the need for credible, evidence-based documentation remains critical.

By inviting Amnesty to the table, the Nigerian government appears to be taking a more open, diplomatic approach to managing the fallout, rather than dismissing the report outright.

Whether this engagement will lead to a joint fact-finding effort or revised reporting remains to be seen. But it signals a growing recognition of the importance of collaboration between state institutions and civil society in tackling Nigeria’s persistent security challenges.