Over 1,100 abducted in Northern Nigeria in four months – Amnesty International

At least 1,100 people were abducted across northern Nigeria between January and April 2026, Amnesty International has said.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the rights organisation said victims of abduction are often subjected to extreme violence, prolonged captivity, and inhumane conditions, including torture, starvation, rape, and forced participation in criminal acts.

“Those abducted are frequently subjected to torture, starvation, amputation, rape, and forced to witness or commit atrocities,” the organisation said, noting that many victims remain in captivity for months while families struggle to secure their release.

The group added that kidnappings, largely driven by ransom demands, have become widespread across rural communities and internally displaced persons’ settlements, worsening fear and displacement in affected regions.

Isa Sanusi, director of amnesty international Nigeria, described the situation as a rapidly escalating crisis that continues to endanger lives across northern communities.

“What we are witnessing right now in the northern part of Nigeria is a crisis of abduction that increasingly endangers lives,” he said.

According to the report, armed groups not only abduct residents but also carry out killings, looting, and the destruction of property during attacks.

Families are often forced to sell belongings or rely on community fundraising to pay ransom demands, while those unable to pay risk execution or prolonged captivity.

Amnesty further raised alarm over the impact of insecurity on education, noting that fear of abduction has forced many children out of school.

In some communities, families reportedly withdraw girls from education or resort to early marriage as a protective measure.

The organisation accused Nigerian authorities of failing in their constitutional and international obligations to protect lives and property.

“The Nigerian authorities are grossly failing in their duty to protect lives,” it said, adding that the situation amounts to a breach of obligations under both the Nigerian Constitution and the African charter on human and peoples’ rights.

The latest report follows a series of recent alerts by Amnesty International on attacks across several states, including Kebbi, Benue, Katsina, and Plateau.

In Kebbi State, the organisation condemned the killing of at least 24 people in Debe community on 5 April, where armed attackers reportedly went on a rampage, killing residents and destroying homes, shops, and a church.

In Benue State, Amnesty said at least 17 people were killed in Mbalom during Easter celebrations, while more than 500,000 people remain displaced due to recurring violence, many living in overcrowded conditions without adequate access to food, water, or healthcare.

In Katsina State, the group said armed bandits continue to raid villages despite reported peace efforts, with entire communities destroyed and security forces often arriving after attacks have ended.

In Plateau State, Amnesty linked recent killings in Angwan Rukuba and Jos South to persistent security lapses, noting that security operatives were frequently absent during attacks or arrived long after the perpetrators had fled.

The organisation warned that the failure to thoroughly investigate attacks and prosecute perpetrators is fuelling a culture of impunity, allowing armed groups to operate with little or no consequence.

Amnesty International called on the federal government to take urgent and coordinated action to end the violence, strengthen protection for vulnerable communities, and ensure accountability for human rights violations across affected regions.