Breaking: NCTC Calls for Suspension of Amnesty International's Insecurity Report Publication -

By Usman A Harande

The National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) has expressed concerns over an upcoming report by Amnesty International Nigeria, alleging that it presents an exaggerated picture of insecurity in the country. The report, titled “Mounting Death Toll and Looming Humanitarian Crisis Amid Unchecked Attacks by Armed Groups,” claims that over 10,000 people have been killed and hundreds of communities destroyed since President Bola Tinubu assumed office two years ago.

In a letter dated May 28, 2025, the NCTC, under the Office of the National Security Adviser, warned that the report’s narrative could misinform the public and potentially embolden criminal actors. The Centre claimed that many of the figures and claims in the report do not align with verified data on record. The NCTC urged Amnesty International Nigeria to suspend publication of the report until both parties can review the contents together.

Amnesty International’s report, published by SaharaReporters, documented the killings of at least 10,217 people in armed attacks across seven northern states. The report highlighted atrocities in Plateau and Benue, where entire communities were razed, and critical infrastructure destroyed. The human rights watchdog concluded that the government’s failure to act decisively has fueled a “cycle of impunity” that emboldens armed groups and leaves millions at risk.

The NCTC’s letter has sparked controversy, with questions raised about the role of civil society organizations in documenting human rights issues and the government’s response to insecurity. While the NCTC argues that the report’s narrative could damage the country’s international image, Amnesty International insists that the government must fulfill its promises to Nigerians and urgently address the resurgence of the nation’s endemic security crisis.

The NCTC has proposed a consultative meeting to reconcile discrepancies and discuss broader security challenges. The meeting, scheduled to be hosted by the NCTC, aims to provide an opportunity for both parties to review the report’s contents and discuss ongoing security efforts.

The NCTC has expressed concerns over Amnesty International’s report on insecurity in Nigeria.

The report claims over 10,000 people have been killed and hundreds of communities destroyed since President Tinubu assumed office.

The NCTC alleges that the report’s narrative could misinform the public and embolden criminal actors.

Amnesty International insists that the government must address the resurgence of the nation’s endemic security crisis.

A consultative meeting has been proposed to reconcile discrepancies and discuss security challenges.

The controversy highlights the ongoing security challenges in Nigeria, particularly in the northern regions. The country has been plagued by armed attacks, banditry, and kidnappings, with many communities displaced and livelihoods disrupted. The government’s response to insecurity has been a subject of debate, with human rights groups calling for more decisive action to protect lives and property.