Amnesty International Says 323 Nigerians Killed in February, Questions Tinubu’s Security Strategy

Human rights watchdog Amnesty International has raised serious concerns over the escalating wave of violence across Nigeria, revealing that at least 323 people were killed in multiple attacks within the first 20 days of February 2026 alone.

According to the organisation, the killings occurred across several states, including Benue, Katsina, Kwara, Kebbi, Niger, and Zamfara. Many of the victims were residents of rural communities, where armed groups have continued to launch deadly raids with little warning.

The figures highlight the persistent insecurity affecting large parts of the country, particularly in northern and central regions where attacks on villages, farmers, and travellers have become increasingly frequent.

Amnesty described the situation as deeply troubling, warning that the growing casualty numbers reflect a worsening security crisis that continues to threaten lives and livelihoods.

Amnesty Questions Tinubu Government’s Approach

In its statement, Amnesty International criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu, arguing that the current security strategy has failed to deliver meaningful results.

The organisation said the continued killings suggest that authorities have not yet developed an effective plan to end years of violence carried out by armed groups. It expressed concern not only about the attacks themselves but also about the apparent lack of accountability for those responsible.

According to Amnesty, the inability to consistently apprehend and prosecute perpetrators has contributed to a cycle of violence, where communities remain vulnerable and attackers operate with little fear of consequences.

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The group stressed that protecting citizens is a core responsibility of government and urged stronger, more coordinated action to address the root causes of insecurity.

Silence from Presidency Raises Questions

Efforts to obtain an official response from the presidency were unsuccessful at the time of reporting. Calls and messages directed to presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga were not answered, leaving Amnesty’s claims publicly unaddressed.

The lack of immediate response has added to public scrutiny, especially as Nigerians continue to demand clearer communication and visible progress in tackling insecurity.

Security remains one of the most pressing issues facing the current administration, with many citizens closely monitoring how the government responds to both criticism and ongoing threats.

Communities Continue to Bear the Burden

Beyond the statistics, the violence has had devastating effects on everyday life. Many rural residents now live in constant fear, with farming, trade, and basic movement severely disrupted.

Entire communities have been displaced, while families mourn loved ones lost in attacks that often occur without warning. The economic impact has also been significant, particularly in agricultural regions where insecurity has disrupted food production.

Amnesty International has called for urgent reforms, including stronger security coordination, improved intelligence gathering, and greater accountability for violent crimes.

As the death toll continues to rise, pressure is mounting on the federal government to demonstrate that it can restore safety and rebuild public confidence.