The National Counter-Terrorism Centre under the Office of the National Security Adviser (NCTC-ONSA) has criticised a recent report by Amnesty International Nigeria, claiming it paints an “exaggerated and misleading picture of the country’s security challenges.”
The report alleges that over 10,000 Nigerians have been killed in the last two years due to violence.
Recall on December 6, 2024, that Amnesty International alleged that over 10,000 people have died in military custody since the onset of the Boko Haram insurgency in North-East Nigeria.
On Wednesday, Bayo Onanuga an aide to the President Bola Tinubu via X, shared a letter dated May 28, addressed to the Director of Amnesty International Nigeria and signed by the Coordinator of the NCTC-ONSA, Maj. Gen. Adamu Garba Laka, the Centre dismissed the report’s figures and assertions, stating they “are inconsistent with verified data” in its possession.
“Therefore, we strongly advise that the said report be withheld from publication, pending a thorough engagement to address the evident gaps and potential misinformation contained therein,” the letter urged.
The NCTC-ONSA expressed concerns that the report if released in its current form, could have far-reaching negative implications.
“The report, in its current form, presents an overly alarming narrative which does not reflect the broader realities on the ground, and which risks misinforming the public, damaging the international image of the country, and inadvertently encouraging terrorists and criminal elements by exaggerating the impact of their atrocities,” the letter stated.
In a move aimed at fostering dialogue, the Centre extended an invitation to Amnesty International Nigeria for a consultative meeting to address the identified discrepancies.
“In the interest of constructive engagement and mutual understanding, the NCTC-ONSA would be pleased to host a consultative meeting with representatives of Amnesty International Nigeria.
“This meeting will provide an opportunity for both parties to review the contents of the report, reconcile discrepancies, and discuss ongoing security efforts as well as challenges faced in the protection of lives and property across the country,” Maj. Gen. Laka proposed.
While acknowledging the importance of civil society organizations in documenting human rights concerns, the NCTC-ONSA underscored the need for accuracy and context.
“While we recognize and value the role of Civil Society Organizations in documenting human rights concerns, such efforts must be pursued with accuracy, objectivity, and a careful understanding of the prevailing national security context,” the letter concluded.
Leave a Comment