Boko Haram Must Be Held Accountable For Years Of Atrocities, Says Amnesty International

Amnesty International (AI) has called for Boko Haram to be held accountable for the years of atrocities and war crimes it has committed against Nigerian civilians. This comes as human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), condemned the harassment and legal threats directed at Amnesty International Nigeria (AIN).

Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have also urged President Bola Tinubu to take immediate action to end the alleged intimidation of the rights group.

AIN’s Director, Isa Sanusi, spoke out after the brutal attack by Boko Haram on farming communities in Borno State on January 12, where over 40 civilians were killed. Sanusi condemned the massacre, highlighting Boko Haram’s utter disregard for human life and international humanitarian law.

“Boko Haram must be held to account for its years of atrocities,” Sanusi said. “Our investigation found that Boko Haram gathered farmers and fishermen, separated the men, and shot them at close range. Those attempting to escape were chased down and killed, while others were injured.”

The search for bodies continues, with plans for a mass burial for the victims. Sanusi emphasized that Boko Haram’s ongoing abductions and widespread looting remain a serious threat to civilians, stressing that urgent measures are needed to protect the public and ensure justice for victims.

Since 2020, Boko Haram has specifically targeted farmers around Lake Chad. Meanwhile, Falana condemned the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) for intimidating Amnesty International simply for fulfilling its legitimate duties.

The NPF had, through a letter on January 6, 2025, demanded a retraction and public apology regarding AI’s publication on police violence during the August 2024 #EndBadGovernance protests. The police refuted the accusations, calling them false and unsubstantiated. Falana responded, criticizing the legal threats as harassment aimed at stifling free speech and activism.

Several CSOs, including the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), and 64 others, condemned the police’s actions. They called on the Nigerian government to halt the escalating crackdown on activists, human rights defenders, and journalists, and to ensure that Nigerians can freely exercise their rights without fear of retaliation.