Nigerian Police Reject Amnesty's Kidnapping Report Claims

The Nigerian Police Force has dismissed a report by Amnesty International that alleged 1,100 kidnappings took place across Nigeria between January and April 2026. The police described the figures as unverifiable and criticized Amnesty for not consulting them before publishing the findings.

The report highlighted the alarming rise in abductions, particularly in northern Nigeria, where mass kidnappings have become increasingly common. Amnesty's Nigeria director, Isa Sanusi, noted that victims often face severe abuse, including torture and forced participation in violent acts.

The report cited specific incidents, such as the abduction of 176 people in Kwara State and 150 in Zamfara State. It emphasized the urgent need for the federal government, led by President Bola Tinubu, to address the worsening security situation.

Amnesty International warned that the ongoing crisis is endangering lives and disrupting education, pushing families into extreme hardship as they resort to fundraising to pay ransoms.