…Says progress in security efforts must be acknowledged alongside failures
An independent observer closely monitoring Nigeria’s security situation, especially in Zamfara State and the wider Northwest, has faulted Amnesty International’s recent report titled “President Tinubu Must End the Bloodshed in Zamfara.”
In a detailed response, the observer described the mass killing of 38 kidnapped victims from Banga village in Kauran Namoda as a “heart-wrenching tragedy” and emphasised that the grief of the bereaved families should not be minimised. However, the statement criticised Amnesty International for what was described as a “blanket condemnation” of the Nigerian government, arguing that it failed to reflect the complexity of the situation on the ground or acknowledge recent gains in the fight against banditry.
“Facts Amnesty Ignores”
The observer cited several verified security operations and interventions that have yielded tangible results in Zamfara and neighbouring states over recent months. These include:
- Dismantling of multiple bandit camps in Tsafe, Dansadau, and Zurmi by combined security forces.
- Neutralisation of over 150 armed bandits between March and July 2025 during joint offensives.
- Rescue of kidnapped victims across several local government areas, many without ransom payments.
- Deployment of special forces and mobile units to identify flashpoints.
A recent operation in Niger State, just days before Amnesty’s statement, where troops with DSS support eliminated 45 bandits.
“These efforts, though not yet conclusive, demonstrate that security agencies are not asleep. Progress is happening. To ignore these realities is to present an incomplete and misleading picture,” the observer said.
One-Sided Advocacy Risks Credibility
While acknowledging the importance of advocacy and the need to demand more action from the government, the observer warned against what he described as “one-sided reports” that highlight only government failures while omitting strides being made.
“Amnesty International’s role is vital in championing human rights. But that role must be carried out with fairness, context, and responsibility. Neglecting the improvements demoralises the security forces and weakens public trust in international engagement,” the statement added.
Call for Balanced Engagement
The observer emphasised that resolving insecurity in Zamfara requires more than external criticism.
“What Zamfara needs is sustained, constructive pressure — not just finger-pointing. There must be an honest appraisal of both the failings and the gains. Civil society, government, and local communities must work together,” he said.
Conclusion: A Time for Balanced Truth
The statement concluded with a strong call for accuracy and fairness: “Yes, the people of Zamfara deserve peace and justice—but they also deserve a narrative that honours their pain, their resilience, and the efforts being made to restore order. In the pursuit of justice and accountability, truth must never be sacrificed for sensationalism.”
The observer urged Amnesty International and other international bodies to remain steadfast in their mission but also mindful of the nuances in complex conflict zones like Nigeria’s Northwest.
