- Police Dispute Amnesty Report on 1,100 Kidnappings
- Demand Verification, Cite Lack of Consultation
- Anthony Placid, said the organisation did not consult the police before releasing its findings
Concerns over safety across Nigeria have taken a new turn as the Nigeria Police Force and Amnesty International disagree over the scale of recent abductions affecting communities.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the Amnesty International had raised alarm that at least 1,100 people were kidnapped between January and April 2026, warning that many families especially in northern Nigeria are living in fear as attacks increasingly target rural communities and displaced persons.
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But reacting to the report, the police questioned the figures, describing them as unverified and not cross-checked with official records.
Force spokesperson, Anthony Placid, said the organisation did not consult the police before releasing its findings, stressing that accurate crime data must be validated through security agencies.
“What is their source of information? They didn’t consult the police,” he said, urging the public to question the basis of the report.
For many Nigerians, however, the debate goes beyond numbers. In affected communities, families continue to deal with the real impact of insecurity—loss of loved ones, displacement, and the financial strain of paying ransoms.
Amnesty International, through its Nigeria Director, Isa Sanusi, described the situation as alarming, noting that some victims spend months in captivity under harsh conditions.
The organisation also highlighted how the fear of abduction is reshaping daily life, with children pulled out of school and families forced to relocate or take drastic steps to stay safe.
Residents in some communities have reportedly had to sell belongings or rely on collective fundraising to secure the release of abducted relatives.
While both sides differ on the figures, there is a shared concern about the growing insecurity affecting ordinary people.
The police reiterated the need for collaboration between security agencies and civil society groups to ensure accurate reporting and effective response, while many Nigerians continue to hope for stronger action to protect lives and restore a sense of safety in vulnerable areas.
