Amnesty International has disclosed that no fewer than 1,100 persons were kidnapped across northern Nigeria between January and April 2026, highlighting what it described as a worsening security situation in the region.
In a statement released on Saturday, the organisation warned that the scale and frequency of abductions underscore the inability of authorities to safeguard vulnerable communities.
Amnesty noted that victims of the attacks are often subjected to severe abuse, including torture, starvation and other forms of inhumane treatment, with many held in captivity for extended periods.
The group further stated that kidnapping, largely driven by ransom demands, has become pervasive in rural areas and camps for internally displaced persons.
The Country Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Isa Sanusi, said the trend reflects a growing crisis that continues to threaten lives and livelihoods across the northern region.
According to the organisation, many of the attacks are accompanied by killings, destruction of property and looting, leaving affected communities devastated. It added that families are frequently compelled to dispose of their assets or rely on communal support to secure the release of abducted relatives.
Amnesty also expressed concern over the impact of the insecurity on education, particularly in the North, where fear of abduction has forced many children out of school. It noted that some families resort to withdrawing their daughters from school or arranging early marriages as a precaution against attacks.
The organisation accused the Nigerian authorities of failing to meet their constitutional and international obligations to protect citizens, describing the situation as a serious breach of human rights commitments.
The report follows a series of recent incidents across several states. In Kebbi State, Amnesty cited the killing of at least 24 persons in Debe community on April 5, with homes, shops and a place of worship destroyed in the attack.
Similarly, in Benue State, at least 17 persons were reportedly killed in Mbalom during Easter celebrations, while hundreds of thousands remain displaced due to recurring violence.
In Katsina State, the group said armed bandits continue to raid communities despite claims of improved security, alleging that some villages have been completely razed.
Amnesty also raised concerns over attacks in Plateau State, including incidents in Angwan Rukuba and Jos South, which it attributed to persistent security lapses and delayed response by security agencies.
The organisation warned that the failure to investigate attacks and prosecute perpetrators has continued to fuel impunity, enabling armed groups to operate without fear of consequences.
It, therefore, called on the Federal Government to take decisive action to curb the violence, ensure accountability and provide adequate protection and support for affected communities.
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