The attention of Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has been drawn to a statement by Amnesty International (AI) titled “Nigeria: Mounting death toll and looming humanitarian crisis amid unchecked attacks by armed groups”,
In a statement signed by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye said the military however acknowledged the importance of civil society in promoting accountability and human rights, expresses strong reservations about the sweeping generalizations, lack of contextual depth, and the failure of the statement by AI to recognize the monumental strides made by the Armed Forces of Nigeria under the current administration.
According to Kangye , the AI statement paints a bleak and generalized picture of national insecurity, largely ignoring the asymmetric and evolving nature of modern threats, especially those rooted in decades of socio-political and economic complexities.
While there are undeniable challenges in specific regions, DHQ strongly refutes the implication that the military has been absent or inactive in the face of these threats.
He noted that, DHQ working under the renewed strategic direction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu when assumed office in May has achieved significant milestones in degrading terrorist networks, disrupting criminal syndicates, and restoring civil authority across many volatile regions.
General Kangye further highlighted numerous successes achieved inorder to put the record straight, “Massive Degradation of Terrorist Elements.Over 5,000 insurgents and bandits neutralized across multiple theatres of operation, including the Northeast, Northwest, and North Central.
”Dozens of high-value terrorist commanders apprehended or neutralized through precision strikes and coordinated intelligence-driven operations.
”Territorial Recovery and Restoration of Civil Authority. Recovery of over 350 communities and villages previously under the control of terrorists and bandits, particularly in Borno, Niger, Zamfara, and Katsina States.
”The sustained presence of troops in areas such as Maru (Zamfara), Bokkos (Plateau), and Logo (Benue) has enabled displaced persons to begin returning home under military protection.
”Rescue Operations and Hostage Recovery. In partnership with local intelligence networks, the military successfully rescued over 1,200 abducted civilians, including women and children, many of whom were kidnapped in mass abduction incidents.
”Several notorious kidnapping syndicates have been dismantled, and recovery of illegal weapons caches continues weekly.
d.Improved Civil-Military Relations and Inter-Agency Coordination.
”Deployment of Quick Response Forces (QRFs), forward operating bases, and enhanced coordination with state governments and community leaders. Takeoff of Operation SAFE HAVEN, Operation HADARIN DAJI, and Operation WHIRL STROKE has led to significant suppression of militia activities and inter-communal violence.
”Surveillance and Air Power Enhancement. The Nigerian Air Force has conducted over 500 successful air interdictions, close air support among other operation while significantly degrading the movement and logistics capability of armed groups. Use of modern surveillance drones and night operations has improved tactical superiority and minimized civilian casualties.
”Protection of Strategic Assets and Border Integrity. Military engineering corps have secured and rehabilitated key transportation and communication corridors previously vulnerable to attacks. Increased joint patrols along porous border regions with Cameroon, Niger, and Chad have curtailed cross-border infiltration. “he stated.
DHQ however challenged the Amnesty International’s data and methodology, “we are compelled to question the methodology underpinning Amnesty International’s statistics. Amnesty’s statement alleged that 10,217 persons were killed in Nigeria from 29 May 23 to date out of which 2,630 deaths were recorded in Plateau State.
”It further alluded that 672 communities were displaced in Nigeria out of which 167 communities were dislodged in Plateau State in the last 2 years. Additionally, the report stated that armed bandits carried out 38 attacks and displaced 43 villages in 4 LGAs in Plateau between 27 Mar – 2 Apr 25.
5.
”It is expedient to state that the report on the situation in Plateau State is a deliberate effort to mislead the general public towards galvanizing negative public opinion against the military.
”The number of deaths quoted in the report does not reflect the actual situation in Plateau State. Following the reorganization of deployments and conduct of broad-spectrum subsidiary operations in Plateau State from July 2023, the State witnessed continuous improvement until the coordinated attacks in some communities in Bokkos and Bassa LGAs of Plateau State on 2 and 14 Apr 25.
”The period covered in the press release did not record coordinated attacks on communities except for the Christmas Eve 2023 and the recent security breaches in Bokkos and Bassa LGAs of Plateau State. Therefore, the allegation of killing of 2,630 persons in Plateau State in the last 2 years is a concoction of falsehood in pursuant of self-serving agenda. “DHQ disclosed.
He also noted that there is no displacement of communities in Plateau State as Alleged by Arlmnesty International.
”Nothing can be farther from the truth that the alleged displacement of 167 communities in Plateau State in the last 2 years. Although the crisis in Plateau State resulted in displacement of some communities in 2011, there were no further displacements in the State between 2023 and 2025 as claimed in the report.
”Rather, due to the improved security situation, the Plateau State Government convened a committee for the resettlement of displaced persons in their ancestral homes in 2024.
”The committee is still finalizing arrangements for the return of persons displaced to their various communities. Therefore, the allegations raised in the press release by Amnesty International could be discountenanced. “Kangye said.
Kangye further noted that Amnesty International’s report on insecurity in Northwest region, several claims especially in Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi and Katsina are exaggerated and not fully reflective of ground realities.
The report rightly underscores the complexity and severity of the security challenges in the Northwest, particularly those posed by bandits and other non-state actors. However, it falls short in reflecting the multi-pronged countermeasures, ongoing sacrifices by security forces, and tangible gains recorded in degrading terrorist and bandit networks.
While Amnesty International emphasizes figures and narratives of failure, it fails to contextualize the efforts, operational constraints, community dynamics, and collaboration among stakeholders currently shaping the battle space.
DHQ unequivocally state that Amnesty International has been observed lately to be making wrong feedbacks with factual errors, public misinformation and erosion of trust in media and the general populace.
The Nigerian Military remains resolute in upholding human rights and international humanitarian law. Allegations of misconduct are taken seriously and are investigated through established military and judicial processes.
JUST IN: DHQ Refutes Claims by Amnesty International, Affirms Commitment to Human Rights
The attention of Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has been drawn to a statement by Amnesty International (AI) titled “Nigeria: Mounting death toll and looming humanitarian crisis amid unchecked attacks by armed groups”,
In a statement signed by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye said the military however acknowledged the importance of civil society in promoting accountability and human rights, expresses strong reservations about the sweeping generalizations, lack of contextual depth, and the failure of the statement by AI to recognize the monumental strides made by the Armed Forces of Nigeria under the current administration.
According to Kangye , the AI statement paints a bleak and generalized picture of national insecurity, largely ignoring the asymmetric and evolving nature of modern threats, especially those rooted in decades of socio-political and economic complexities.
While there are undeniable challenges in specific regions, DHQ strongly refutes the implication that the military has been absent or inactive in the face of these threats.
He noted that, DHQ working under the renewed strategic direction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu when assumed office in May has achieved significant milestones in degrading terrorist networks, disrupting criminal syndicates, and restoring civil authority across many volatile regions.
General Kangye further highlighted numerous successes achieved inorder to put the record straight, “Massive Degradation of Terrorist Elements.Over 5,000 insurgents and bandits neutralized across multiple theatres of operation, including the Northeast, Northwest, and North Central.
”Dozens of high-value terrorist commanders apprehended or neutralized through precision strikes and coordinated intelligence-driven operations.
”Territorial Recovery and Restoration of Civil Authority. Recovery of over 350 communities and villages previously under the control of terrorists and bandits, particularly in Borno, Niger, Zamfara, and Katsina States.
”The sustained presence of troops in areas such as Maru (Zamfara), Bokkos (Plateau), and Logo (Benue) has enabled displaced persons to begin returning home under military protection.
”Rescue Operations and Hostage Recovery. In partnership with local intelligence networks, the military successfully rescued over 1,200 abducted civilians, including women and children, many of whom were kidnapped in mass abduction incidents.
”Several notorious kidnapping syndicates have been dismantled, and recovery of illegal weapons caches continues weekly.
d.Improved Civil-Military Relations and Inter-Agency Coordination.
”Deployment of Quick Response Forces (QRFs), forward operating bases, and enhanced coordination with state governments and community leaders. Takeoff of Operation SAFE HAVEN, Operation HADARIN DAJI, and Operation WHIRL STROKE has led to significant suppression of militia activities and inter-communal violence.
”Surveillance and Air Power Enhancement. The Nigerian Air Force has conducted over 500 successful air interdictions, close air support among other operation while significantly degrading the movement and logistics capability of armed groups. Use of modern surveillance drones and night operations has improved tactical superiority and minimized civilian casualties.
”Protection of Strategic Assets and Border Integrity. Military engineering corps have secured and rehabilitated key transportation and communication corridors previously vulnerable to attacks. Increased joint patrols along porous border regions with Cameroon, Niger, and Chad have curtailed cross-border infiltration. “he stated.
DHQ however challenged the Amnesty International’s data and methodology, “we are compelled to question the methodology underpinning Amnesty International’s statistics. Amnesty’s statement alleged that 10,217 persons were killed in Nigeria from 29 May 23 to date out of which 2,630 deaths were recorded in Plateau State.
”It further alluded that 672 communities were displaced in Nigeria out of which 167 communities were dislodged in Plateau State in the last 2 years. Additionally, the report stated that armed bandits carried out 38 attacks and displaced 43 villages in 4 LGAs in Plateau between 27 Mar – 2 Apr 25.
5.
”It is expedient to state that the report on the situation in Plateau State is a deliberate effort to mislead the general public towards galvanizing negative public opinion against the military.
”The number of deaths quoted in the report does not reflect the actual situation in Plateau State. Following the reorganization of deployments and conduct of broad-spectrum subsidiary operations in Plateau State from July 2023, the State witnessed continuous improvement until the coordinated attacks in some communities in Bokkos and Bassa LGAs of Plateau State on 2 and 14 Apr 25.
”The period covered in the press release did not record coordinated attacks on communities except for the Christmas Eve 2023 and the recent security breaches in Bokkos and Bassa LGAs of Plateau State. Therefore, the allegation of killing of 2,630 persons in Plateau State in the last 2 years is a concoction of falsehood in pursuant of self-serving agenda. “DHQ disclosed.
He also noted that there is no displacement of communities in Plateau State as Alleged by Arlmnesty International.
”Nothing can be farther from the truth that the alleged displacement of 167 communities in Plateau State in the last 2 years. Although the crisis in Plateau State resulted in displacement of some communities in 2011, there were no further displacements in the State between 2023 and 2025 as claimed in the report.
”Rather, due to the improved security situation, the Plateau State Government convened a committee for the resettlement of displaced persons in their ancestral homes in 2024.
”The committee is still finalizing arrangements for the return of persons displaced to their various communities. Therefore, the allegations raised in the press release by Amnesty International could be discountenanced. “Kangye said.
Kangye further noted that Amnesty International’s report on insecurity in Northwest region, several claims especially in Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi and Katsina are exaggerated and not fully reflective of ground realities.
The report rightly underscores the complexity and severity of the security challenges in the Northwest, particularly those posed by bandits and other non-state actors. However, it falls short in reflecting the multi-pronged countermeasures, ongoing sacrifices by security forces, and tangible gains recorded in degrading terrorist and bandit networks.
While Amnesty International emphasizes figures and narratives of failure, it fails to contextualize the efforts, operational constraints, community dynamics, and collaboration among stakeholders currently shaping the battle space.
DHQ unequivocally state that Amnesty International has been observed lately to be making wrong feedbacks with factual errors, public misinformation and erosion of trust in media and the general populace.
The Nigerian Military remains resolute in upholding human rights and international humanitarian law. Allegations of misconduct are taken seriously and are investigated through established military and judicial processes.
LEAVE A REPLY
The attention of Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has been drawn to a statement by Amnesty International (AI) titled “Nigeria: Mounting death toll and looming humanitarian crisis amid unchecked attacks by armed groups”,
In a statement signed by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye said the military however acknowledged the importance of civil society in promoting accountability and human rights, expresses strong reservations about the sweeping generalizations, lack of contextual depth, and the failure of the statement by AI to recognize the monumental strides made by the Armed Forces of Nigeria under the current administration.
According to Kangye , the AI statement paints a bleak and generalized picture of national insecurity, largely ignoring the asymmetric and evolving nature of modern threats, especially those rooted in decades of socio-political and economic complexities.
While there are undeniable challenges in specific regions, DHQ strongly refutes the implication that the military has been absent or inactive in the face of these threats.
He noted that, DHQ working under the renewed strategic direction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu when assumed office in May has achieved significant milestones in degrading terrorist networks, disrupting criminal syndicates, and restoring civil authority across many volatile regions.
General Kangye further highlighted numerous successes achieved inorder to put the record straight, “Massive Degradation of Terrorist Elements.Over 5,000 insurgents and bandits neutralized across multiple theatres of operation, including the Northeast, Northwest, and North Central.
”Dozens of high-value terrorist commanders apprehended or neutralized through precision strikes and coordinated intelligence-driven operations.
”Territorial Recovery and Restoration of Civil Authority. Recovery of over 350 communities and villages previously under the control of terrorists and bandits, particularly in Borno, Niger, Zamfara, and Katsina States.
”The sustained presence of troops in areas such as Maru (Zamfara), Bokkos (Plateau), and Logo (Benue) has enabled displaced persons to begin returning home under military protection.
”Rescue Operations and Hostage Recovery. In partnership with local intelligence networks, the military successfully rescued over 1,200 abducted civilians, including women and children, many of whom were kidnapped in mass abduction incidents.
”Several notorious kidnapping syndicates have been dismantled, and recovery of illegal weapons caches continues weekly.
d.Improved Civil-Military Relations and Inter-Agency Coordination.
”Deployment of Quick Response Forces (QRFs), forward operating bases, and enhanced coordination with state governments and community leaders. Takeoff of Operation SAFE HAVEN, Operation HADARIN DAJI, and Operation WHIRL STROKE has led to significant suppression of militia activities and inter-communal violence.
”Surveillance and Air Power Enhancement. The Nigerian Air Force has conducted over 500 successful air interdictions, close air support among other operation while significantly degrading the movement and logistics capability of armed groups. Use of modern surveillance drones and night operations has improved tactical superiority and minimized civilian casualties.
”Protection of Strategic Assets and Border Integrity. Military engineering corps have secured and rehabilitated key transportation and communication corridors previously vulnerable to attacks. Increased joint patrols along porous border regions with Cameroon, Niger, and Chad have curtailed cross-border infiltration. “he stated.
DHQ however challenged the Amnesty International’s data and methodology, “we are compelled to question the methodology underpinning Amnesty International’s statistics. Amnesty’s statement alleged that 10,217 persons were killed in Nigeria from 29 May 23 to date out of which 2,630 deaths were recorded in Plateau State.
”It further alluded that 672 communities were displaced in Nigeria out of which 167 communities were dislodged in Plateau State in the last 2 years. Additionally, the report stated that armed bandits carried out 38 attacks and displaced 43 villages in 4 LGAs in Plateau between 27 Mar – 2 Apr 25.
5.
”It is expedient to state that the report on the situation in Plateau State is a deliberate effort to mislead the general public towards galvanizing negative public opinion against the military.
”The number of deaths quoted in the report does not reflect the actual situation in Plateau State. Following the reorganization of deployments and conduct of broad-spectrum subsidiary operations in Plateau State from July 2023, the State witnessed continuous improvement until the coordinated attacks in some communities in Bokkos and Bassa LGAs of Plateau State on 2 and 14 Apr 25.
”The period covered in the press release did not record coordinated attacks on communities except for the Christmas Eve 2023 and the recent security breaches in Bokkos and Bassa LGAs of Plateau State. Therefore, the allegation of killing of 2,630 persons in Plateau State in the last 2 years is a concoction of falsehood in pursuant of self-serving agenda. “DHQ disclosed.
He also noted that there is no displacement of communities in Plateau State as Alleged by Arlmnesty International.
”Nothing can be farther from the truth that the alleged displacement of 167 communities in Plateau State in the last 2 years. Although the crisis in Plateau State resulted in displacement of some communities in 2011, there were no further displacements in the State between 2023 and 2025 as claimed in the report.
”Rather, due to the improved security situation, the Plateau State Government convened a committee for the resettlement of displaced persons in their ancestral homes in 2024.
”The committee is still finalizing arrangements for the return of persons displaced to their various communities. Therefore, the allegations raised in the press release by Amnesty International could be discountenanced. “Kangye said.
Kangye further noted that Amnesty International’s report on insecurity in Northwest region, several claims especially in Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi and Katsina are exaggerated and not fully reflective of ground realities.
The report rightly underscores the complexity and severity of the security challenges in the Northwest, particularly those posed by bandits and other non-state actors. However, it falls short in reflecting the multi-pronged countermeasures, ongoing sacrifices by security forces, and tangible gains recorded in degrading terrorist and bandit networks.
While Amnesty International emphasizes figures and narratives of failure, it fails to contextualize the efforts, operational constraints, community dynamics, and collaboration among stakeholders currently shaping the battle space.
DHQ unequivocally state that Amnesty International has been observed lately to be making wrong feedbacks with factual errors, public misinformation and erosion of trust in media and the general populace.
The Nigerian Military remains resolute in upholding human rights and international humanitarian law. Allegations of misconduct are taken seriously and are investigated through established military and judicial processes.
LEAVE A REPLY
The attention of Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has been drawn to a statement by Amnesty International (AI) titled “Nigeria: Mounting death toll and looming humanitarian crisis amid unchecked attacks by armed groups”,
In a statement signed by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye said the military however acknowledged the importance of civil society in promoting accountability and human rights, expresses strong reservations about the sweeping generalizations, lack of contextual depth, and the failure of the statement by AI to recognize the monumental strides made by the Armed Forces of Nigeria under the current administration.
According to Kangye , the AI statement paints a bleak and generalized picture of national insecurity, largely ignoring the asymmetric and evolving nature of modern threats, especially those rooted in decades of socio-political and economic complexities.
While there are undeniable challenges in specific regions, DHQ strongly refutes the implication that the military has been absent or inactive in the face of these threats.
He noted that, DHQ working under the renewed strategic direction of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu when assumed office in May has achieved significant milestones in degrading terrorist networks, disrupting criminal syndicates, and restoring civil authority across many volatile regions.
General Kangye further highlighted numerous successes achieved inorder to put the record straight, “Massive Degradation of Terrorist Elements.Over 5,000 insurgents and bandits neutralized across multiple theatres of operation, including the Northeast, Northwest, and North Central.
”Dozens of high-value terrorist commanders apprehended or neutralized through precision strikes and coordinated intelligence-driven operations.
”Territorial Recovery and Restoration of Civil Authority. Recovery of over 350 communities and villages previously under the control of terrorists and bandits, particularly in Borno, Niger, Zamfara, and Katsina States.
”The sustained presence of troops in areas such as Maru (Zamfara), Bokkos (Plateau), and Logo (Benue) has enabled displaced persons to begin returning home under military protection.
”Rescue Operations and Hostage Recovery. In partnership with local intelligence networks, the military successfully rescued over 1,200 abducted civilians, including women and children, many of whom were kidnapped in mass abduction incidents.
”Several notorious kidnapping syndicates have been dismantled, and recovery of illegal weapons caches continues weekly.
d.Improved Civil-Military Relations and Inter-Agency Coordination.
”Deployment of Quick Response Forces (QRFs), forward operating bases, and enhanced coordination with state governments and community leaders. Takeoff of Operation SAFE HAVEN, Operation HADARIN DAJI, and Operation WHIRL STROKE has led to significant suppression of militia activities and inter-communal violence.
”Surveillance and Air Power Enhancement. The Nigerian Air Force has conducted over 500 successful air interdictions, close air support among other operation while significantly degrading the movement and logistics capability of armed groups. Use of modern surveillance drones and night operations has improved tactical superiority and minimized civilian casualties.
”Protection of Strategic Assets and Border Integrity. Military engineering corps have secured and rehabilitated key transportation and communication corridors previously vulnerable to attacks. Increased joint patrols along porous border regions with Cameroon, Niger, and Chad have curtailed cross-border infiltration. “he stated.
DHQ however challenged the Amnesty International’s data and methodology, “we are compelled to question the methodology underpinning Amnesty International’s statistics. Amnesty’s statement alleged that 10,217 persons were killed in Nigeria from 29 May 23 to date out of which 2,630 deaths were recorded in Plateau State.
”It further alluded that 672 communities were displaced in Nigeria out of which 167 communities were dislodged in Plateau State in the last 2 years. Additionally, the report stated that armed bandits carried out 38 attacks and displaced 43 villages in 4 LGAs in Plateau between 27 Mar – 2 Apr 25.
5.
”It is expedient to state that the report on the situation in Plateau State is a deliberate effort to mislead the general public towards galvanizing negative public opinion against the military.
”The number of deaths quoted in the report does not reflect the actual situation in Plateau State. Following the reorganization of deployments and conduct of broad-spectrum subsidiary operations in Plateau State from July 2023, the State witnessed continuous improvement until the coordinated attacks in some communities in Bokkos and Bassa LGAs of Plateau State on 2 and 14 Apr 25.
”The period covered in the press release did not record coordinated attacks on communities except for the Christmas Eve 2023 and the recent security breaches in Bokkos and Bassa LGAs of Plateau State. Therefore, the allegation of killing of 2,630 persons in Plateau State in the last 2 years is a concoction of falsehood in pursuant of self-serving agenda. “DHQ disclosed.
He also noted that there is no displacement of communities in Plateau State as Alleged by Arlmnesty International.
”Nothing can be farther from the truth that the alleged displacement of 167 communities in Plateau State in the last 2 years. Although the crisis in Plateau State resulted in displacement of some communities in 2011, there were no further displacements in the State between 2023 and 2025 as claimed in the report.
”Rather, due to the improved security situation, the Plateau State Government convened a committee for the resettlement of displaced persons in their ancestral homes in 2024.
”The committee is still finalizing arrangements for the return of persons displaced to their various communities. Therefore, the allegations raised in the press release by Amnesty International could be discountenanced. “Kangye said.
Kangye further noted that Amnesty International’s report on insecurity in Northwest region, several claims especially in Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi and Katsina are exaggerated and not fully reflective of ground realities.
The report rightly underscores the complexity and severity of the security challenges in the Northwest, particularly those posed by bandits and other non-state actors. However, it falls short in reflecting the multi-pronged countermeasures, ongoing sacrifices by security forces, and tangible gains recorded in degrading terrorist and bandit networks.
While Amnesty International emphasizes figures and narratives of failure, it fails to contextualize the efforts, operational constraints, community dynamics, and collaboration among stakeholders currently shaping the battle space.
DHQ unequivocally state that Amnesty International has been observed lately to be making wrong feedbacks with factual errors, public misinformation and erosion of trust in media and the general populace.
The Nigerian Military remains resolute in upholding human rights and international humanitarian law. Allegations of misconduct are taken seriously and are investigated through established military and judicial processes.