Youth Reformation Foundation Responds to Amnesty International’s Report on Insecurity
From Khadija Abdullahi, Kaduna
The Youth Reformation and Leadership Skills Development Foundation has expressed disagreement with a recent report by Amnesty International on the state of insecurity in Nigeria, describing the report as unbalanced and lacking objectivity.
The foundation’s Director-General, Comrade Awwal Abdullahi Aliyu, questioned the methodology used by Amnesty International in arriving at the reported figure of 10,217 killings under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. He argued that the report lacks sufficient data and empirical support.
Dr. Awwal pointed to operations by the Nigerian Army under the leadership of Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, supported by the Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar; Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle; and Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher G. Musa.
According to him, between May 2023 and February 2025, military operations resulted in the neutralization of 13,543 suspected terrorists and criminals, the arrest of 17,469 individuals, and the rescue of 9,821 hostages. He also noted that 124,408 individuals, including Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters and their families, reportedly surrendered during the same period.
The foundation also highlighted steps taken by the federal government to address insecurity, such as the establishment of a National Security Council and increased troop deployments to high-risk areas.
Comrade Aliyu noted that the military, police, and other security agencies have continued to coordinate efforts to combat insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping. He stressed the importance of tackling underlying factors contributing to insecurity, including poverty, unemployment, and limited access to education and healthcare.
The foundation acknowledged that military operations have led to some gains, particularly in the North East, where efforts have been made to reclaim communities from insurgents. Similar interventions, it stated, are ongoing in the North West to curb banditry and kidnapping.
Aliyu also referenced initiatives aimed at addressing farmer-herder conflicts through dialogue and community engagement.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to improving security across the country and emphasized the need for continued cooperation among security agencies. He further noted the roles of the Defence Minister, the National Security Adviser, and the Service Chiefs in coordinating national security efforts.
In conclusion, the foundation urged Amnesty International to approach its reporting with greater objectivity, stating that balanced assessments would help foster a clearer understanding of Nigeria’s security landscape.
