IGP Orders Review of Amnesty Report on South-East, Reaffirms Police Commitment to Human Rights
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has ordered a comprehensive review of a report recently released by Amnesty International alleging human rights violations and unlawful killings in Nigeria’s South-East region.
The 128-page report, titled “A Decade of Impunity: Attacks and Unlawful Killings in South-East Nigeria,” accuses the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies of extrajudicial killings and widespread abuses.
In response, the IGP directed relevant departments and field formations to conduct a line-by-line assessment of the report. The review, according to police authorities, will involve cross-checking the allegations against operational records, field intelligence, and situation reports from commands and tactical units operating in the South-East.
While stressing the Force’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and professional policing, the police leadership noted that past Amnesty International reports had sometimes contained “factual inaccuracies and sweeping generalisations.” Thelll ongoing review, it said, would therefore be based strictly on facts and evidence.
“At the conclusion of the review, the Nigeria Police Force will issue a detailed, evidence-based response to address the specific issues raised,” the statement said, adding that the move reflects the Force’s responsibility to maintain public trust through verified information.
The IGP reaffirmed that the Police remain committed to rights-based and accountable policing, pointing to ongoing reforms such as improved human rights training for officers, strengthened internal accountability frameworks, and alignment with global best practices.
The Force also expressed readiness to engage with civil society, human rights institutions, the National Human Rights Commission, and international partners in addressing concerns. The IGP, however, urged stakeholders to approach such reports with “objectivity, accuracy, and a balanced understanding of the complex security challenges facing the country.”
The statement was signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, from Force Headquarters, Abuja, on Saturday, August 16, 2025.
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