Amnesty International Nigeria says at least 10,217 people were killed in gunmen attacks across seven Nigerian states during President Bola Tinubu’s first two years in office.
The rights organisation made this known on Monday August 24th 2026 in a statement published on its official Facebook page, highlighting the worsening security situation under the Tinubu administration.
According to Amnesty International, the deaths were recorded in Benue, Niger, Katsina, Kebbi, Plateau, Sokoto and Zamfara states, with Benue recording the highest death toll.
Plateau State followed with 2,630 people reportedly killed in attacks by armed groups during the period under review, according to the organisation.
Amnesty International said the security situation had deteriorated despite President Tinubu’s promise to enhance security, accusing the authorities of failing to protect the rights to life, physical integrity, liberty and security of tens of thousands of Nigerians.
The organisation also said new armed groups had emerged during the period, including Lakurawa in Sokoto and Kebbi states and Mamuda in Kwara State.
It added that hundreds of villages had been sacked by gunmen across Benue, Borno, Katsina, Sokoto, Plateau and Zamfara states.
Amnesty International warned that the escalating attacks were creating a looming humanitarian crisis, with displaced communities struggling to survive after losing their homes and livelihoods.
According to the organisation, the majority of displaced persons interviewed in Plateau and Katsina states said they had resorted to begging to survive.
In Dangulbi District of Zamfara State, Amnesty International said farmers were forced to watch their sweet-potato harvests rot after bandits prevented them from transporting the produce to the nearest market.
The rights organisation said the violence was therefore not only claiming lives but also destroying livelihoods and worsening food and economic insecurity in affected communities.
Amnesty International said Nigerian authorities have obligations under international human rights law to protect lives, ensure suspected perpetrators are held accountable, and provide victims with access to justice and effective remedies.
It accused the authorities of repeatedly failing to fulfil these obligations, warning that continued inaction could further deepen insecurity and the humanitarian crisis across the affected states.
The organisation called on the Nigerian government to take urgent and concrete measures to protect civilians, restore security in affected communities and ensure accountability for perpetrators of attacks.
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