Amnesty International urges Nigerian government action on widespread abductions in northern regions

The organization highlighted that victims, often from rural communities and internally displaced persons, face severe abuses including torture, starvation, rape, and forced involvement in violent acts. Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, noted that abductions are largely for lucrative ransoms, forcing families into extreme hardship, selling assets, or relying on community fundraising to pay for release. The group cited numerous incidents, including an attack in Kwara State where 176 people were abducted, and mass kidnappings in Zamfara and Borno States.

Amnesty International warned that the crisis is disrupting education, with children forced out of school and underage girls pushed into early marriage. The organization criticized Nigerian authorities for failing to protect citizens, breaching their constitutional and international human rights obligations. This call comes amidst ongoing concerns about insecurity, despite President Bola Tinubu's assurance of continued support for the Armed Forces following recent attacks on military personnel in Borno State.