The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has ordered a sweeping institutional review of a controversial Amnesty International report that accuses security forces of widespread extrajudicial killings and human rights abuses in Nigeria’s South-East. The 128-page document, titled “A Decade of Impunity: Attacks and Unlawful Killings in South-East Nigeria,” has sparked outrage and debate across the country.
In a statement issued from Force Headquarters, Abuja, on Saturday, the IGP directed relevant departments and tactical formations in the South-East to conduct a meticulous line-by-line examination of the report. He said the assessment would be matched against operational records, field intelligence, and situation reports to determine the accuracy of the claims.
The police chief, while stressing his commitment to transparency and accountability, noted that some previous reports by Amnesty International had contained factual errors and broad generalisations. He insisted that the review would rely strictly on verified facts and operational evidence to ensure fairness and accuracy.
At the end of the process, the Nigeria Police Force plans to issue what it described as a “detailed and evidence-based response” to address the allegations. The IGP assured Nigerians that the Force remains committed to protecting human rights, strengthening accountability mechanisms, and pursuing reforms in line with global standards.
The police further called on civil society groups, international partners, and human rights institutions to approach the issue with objectivity and balance. “We are open to genuine engagement, but we must also be guided by facts and context,” the statement read, reaffirming the Force’s determination to rebuild public trust amidst rising scrutiny.
