By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Nigeria Police Force has challenged a report by Amnesty International, which claimed that at least 1,100 people were kidnapped in Nigeria between January and April 2026. Police spokesperson Anthony Placid said on Sunday that the figures were unverified, questioned the report’s sources, and insisted the organisation failed to consult security agencies before publishing the data.
Police Question Amnesty’s Data Source
The police strongly criticised the report and demanded clarity on its origin.
According to Placid, Amnesty International did not cross-check its findings with official police records. He stressed that the police maintain detailed data on crime nationwide.
“We have our records, and they didn’t consult us,” he said. “Ask for the source of their report.”
As a result, the police urged the public to treat the figures with caution.
Amnesty Raises Alarm Over Rising Kidnappings
However, Amnesty International painted a worrying picture of insecurity across Nigeria.
The organisation called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently address the growing wave of abductions, especially in northern regions.
In its statement, Amnesty said kidnappings have become widespread, particularly in rural communities and among internally displaced persons (IDPs).
The group added that many victims face severe abuse, including torture, starvation, rape, and forced involvement in violence.
Breakdown of Reported Kidnapping Incidents
Amnesty International highlighted several incidents to support its claims:
- In February, attackers reportedly killed about 200 people and abducted 176 others in Kwara State.
- In early April, gunmen allegedly kidnapped 150 people in Zamfara State.
- In March, insurgents abducted over 100 displaced persons near Mafa in Borno State.
- More than 400 people were reportedly taken in Gwoza, Borno State.
- Gunmen abducted 166 worshippers during a church attack in Kaduna State in January.
Additionally, smaller incidents occurred across Niger, Zamfara, and other states.
Amnesty Warns Figures May Be Underreported
Amnesty’s Nigeria Director, Isa Sanusi, warned that the actual number of kidnappings could be higher.
He explained that many cases go unreported, especially in remote areas. He also noted that armed groups increasingly rely on abductions for ransom.
“Some victims spend months in captivity under harsh conditions,” he said.
Growing Concerns Over National Security
The disagreement between the police and Amnesty International highlights ongoing concerns about Nigeria’s security situation.
While authorities question the accuracy of external reports, human rights groups continue to warn about worsening conditions on the ground.
