Damning Report Exposes Security Operatives’ Abuses in Nigeria
The International Society for Civil Rights and Rule of Law, known as Intersociety, has issued a shocking report illuminating serious misconduct by security forces in Nigeria.
This report details that over 32,300 unarmed civilians were killed by security operatives and local vigilantes in the South-East region over the last nine years.
In this special report released in Enugu during a press conference, the group also accused the security forces of extorting approximately N3 trillion through illegal roadblocks during the same timeframe.
Titled “Ocean Of Innocent Blood Flowing In Eastern Nigeria,” the report highlights egregious instances of violence and corruption among security agencies.
Emeka Umeagbalasi, the board chairman, commented that these groups exploited allegations of “IPOB/ESN/BIAFRA terrorism” to justify the killings, which included around 22,500 unarmed civilians massacred secretly and an additional 9,800 killed openly from August 2015 to December 2024.
The allegations extend to unlawful detentions and torture, with reports of over 6,000 individuals taken at night, blindfolded or hooded, and transported to seven northern states without investigation.
Additionally, over 300 Igbo communities faced raids, leading to the destruction of 6,000 homes, displacing 180,000 people, and causing a million more to flee in fear.
The report outlines widespread abuses, including arbitrary arrests, endless detentions based on unverified claims, secret military detentions, and enforced disappearances of civilians.
Umeagbalasi addressed the bribes collected, stating that N3 trillion was illicitly taken at roadblocks, with the Nigeria Police Force accounting for the majority of this corruption.
Moreover, the report highlights the proliferation of around 2.7 million illicit small arms and light weapons in the area, predominantly in the hands of Fulani jihadists and allied factions.
In light of these findings, the group urges immediate action to combat these human rights violations, advocating for the prosecution of offenders and compensation for victims’ families.
The authors also call for the Nigerian government to take steps to prevent further abuses and enforce accountability within the security forces.