The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered a comprehensive institutional review of the 128-page report recently published by Amnesty International’s report exposing a pattern of extrajudicial killings and human rights violations by the police and other security agencies in the South-East.
Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Muyiwa Adejobi, said in a statement in Abuja that the move was in line with Egbetokun’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and operational professionalism.
In its latest report, Amnesty International had revealed that both government-backed forces and armed groups were responsible for a decade-long violent attacks and killings of over 1,800 people and widespread human rights abuses in Nigeria’s South East region.
In the report titled ‘A Decade of Impunity: Attacks and Unlawful Killings in South-East Nigeria’, the global human rights advocacy organisation said the report documented human rights violations and abuses committed by various state and non-state actors in the South-East between January 2021 and December 2024.
“The actors concerned include the state-backed paramilitary outfit, commonly referred to as ‘Ebube Agu’, and members of the defence and security forces.
“The non-state actors include the Eastern Security Network (ESN) — the militant arm of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), ‘unknown gunmen’, cult groups, and vigilante group members,” the report said.
The Police statement on Saturday said the “IGP has directed relevant departments and affected field formations to undertake a meticulous line-by-line assessment of the report. This process will involve cross-referencing the allegations with internal operational records, field intelligence, and situation reports from police commands and tactical units within the South-East region.”
While the NPF said it remained committed to upholding the fundamental rights of all citizens, it said it was equally necessary to place on record that previous reports by Amnesty International have, on occasion, included factual inaccuracies and sweeping generalisations.
Egbetokun added that the current review would therefore be guided by facts, operational evidence, and a dedication to institutional integrity.
After the review, the Force said it would issue a detailed and evidence-based response, addressing the specific issues raised in the report.
“This engagement will reflect the Force’s principled approach to constructive criticism and its responsibility to protect public trust through verified information and contextual clarity.
“The Inspector-General of Police reaffirms the unwavering commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to lawful, accountable, and rights-based policing. The Force continues to enhance its internal accountability mechanisms, improve training in human rights standards, and deepen institutional reforms in line with global best practices.
”The Nigeria Police Force remains open to genuine engagement with civil society organisations, human rights institutions, international partners, and the National Human Rights Commission.
“The IGP encourages all stakeholders to approach such matters with objectivity, accuracy, and a balanced understanding of the complex security realities confronting the country,” the statement added.