Nigeria's security forces are operating with alarming impunity, the Human Rights Association warned on Tuesday. The rights group demands urgent prosecution of officers involved in unlawful killings.
In a sharp statement, HRA called on the Federal Government to hold accountable those responsible for extrajudicial executions. They also want institutional reforms and overdue police restructuring promised after 2020's EndSARS uprising.
Two recent deaths illustrate the pattern, HRA says. Mene Ogidi, a 28-year-old delivery rider, was shot at close range by police in Delta State on April 26.
Assistant Superintendent Nuhu Usman allegedly restrained and killed Ogidi in Effurun while he worked. Video footage spread quickly across social media, sparking widespread anger.
Usman was arrested and later dismissed from service. But HRA insists prosecution must follow dismissal.
One day before Ogidi's death, soldiers killed Abdulsamad Jamiu in Abuja. Jamiu was serving as an NYSC member when he died inside his father's compound in Dei-Dei.
Guards Brigade Quick Response Force soldiers shot him, military officials said. The military first claimed it was crossfire, then admitted it was a mistake.
Jamiu's family rejects both explanations entirely. They continue demanding justice.
"Two killings. Two days.
Two different arms of Nigeria's security apparatus," HRA stated sharply. "Neither victim was a criminal.
Neither posed a threat."
These aren't isolated incidents, the organisation insists. Unlawful killings, torture, arbitrary detention and disappearances persist nationwide despite repeated reform pledges.
Timothy Daniel was shot in the head on January 1, 2026. The 13-year-old was killed by a soldier in Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State.
HRA also highlighted the controversial Tiger Base police unit in Owerri, Imo State. Created to fight kidnapping and armed robbery, it's become notorious instead.
Torture, extortion and unlawful killings happen there regularly, HRA documented. Officers beat detainees in cells and prevent proper investigations.
Security guard Japhet Njoku died at Tiger Base in May 2025. He was beaten to death while detained there.
Tiger Base officers have blocked autopsy proceedings four times, HRA notes. A court ordered the autopsy, but officers defied the ruling.
During 2024's nationwide protests against economic hardship, security forces shot demonstrators in several northern states. Kano, Jigawa, Katsina, Kaduna and Borno all saw killings.
HRA Chairman Saad Kassis-Mohamed blamed political will, not institutional weakness. He said Nigeria lacks the leadership necessary for real change.
"Five years after EndSARS, the killing continues and impunity deepens," Kassis-Mohamed noted. "Managing individual incidents won't stop this pattern."
According to him, dismantling the systems enabling abuse is essential. "Every Nigerian who encounters a security officer deserves to leave alive," he added.
Nigeria's constitution guarantees life protection to all citizens. Yet security personnel repeatedly violate this fundamental right without consequence.
HRA called on federal authorities to act decisively now. Delay only encourages more violations and erodes public confidence in institutions.
