The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG), on Friday, delivered a sharp rebuke of Amnesty International, accusing the global rights body of inflating violence statistics and fomenting religious discord in Northern Nigeria.
The CNG insists that Amnesty’s reporting lacks transparency and urges the Federal Government and other African nations to suspend Amnesty’s operations until it adopts approaches that respect local contexts.
National Coordinator of the CNG, Comrade Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, disclosed this during a press briefing in Abuja, warning of “orchestrated plans aimed at sowing discord between Northern Nigerian Muslims and Christians.”
He challenged Amnesty International’s recent report, which claimed more than 10,217 deaths in the past two years, 6,896 in Benue State and 2,630 in Plateau State, saying the figures were unsubstantiated and likely skewed to portray Christians as primary victims.
Charanchi said: “It is regrettable that Amnesty International would attempt to revise historical narratives concerning the notable achievements of the federal government in combating insecurity. The current security landscape reflects significant improvements, allowing citizens to traverse routes such as Abuja to Kaduna and onward to Gusau and Katsina with a sense of safety.
“This progress underscores the effectiveness of governmental strategies in addressing security challenges, fostering an environment conducive to travel and economic activity. Acknowledging these successes is crucial for a balanced understanding of the ongoing efforts to enhance national security and promote public confidence in governmental initiatives.
“It is imperative to understand that the narrative being pushed by Amnesty International is not only misleading but also dangerous. It serves to deepen the divisions between our communities at a time when we should be fostering dialogue and understanding. The Coalition of Northern Groups believes that such misrepresentation of facts is a disservice to the truth and an affront to the dignity of all Nigerians, regardless of their religious affiliations.
“In the lead-up to elections in Nigeria, a recurring strategy among politicians lacking substantive performance records is to divert attention through accusations against the incumbent government, particularly concerning insecurity.
“This tactic was notably evident in 2024, when an assassination attempt involving explosives was orchestrated against a political candidate, seemingly to elicit public sympathy and bolster his electoral prospects. Such manipulative actions not only undermine the integrity of the political process but also distract from critical discourse on governance and accountability, ultimately eroding public trust in democratic institutions.”
He furthermore referenced allegations by a U.S. congressman that certain foreign entities have financed extremist groups, including Boko Haram, saying that, “We must ask: are these organizations genuinely concerned about human rights, or are they fronts for foreign agendas bent on destabilization?”
The group blamed former Governor Samuel Ortom’s decision to arm forest guards for exacerbating clashes, and pointed to unresolved frictions between current Governor Hyacinth Alia and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume.
CNG urged a continental reevaluation of Amnesty International’s activities. Citing Ethiopia’s suspension of three human rights NGOs, Côte d’Ivoire’s regulatory ordinance, Guinea’s temporary pause on licence renewals, Rwanda’s NGO budgeting restrictions, and Uganda’s reorganization of its NGO bureau.
He added, “In Uganda, an amendment to the NGO law paved the way for the dissolution of the semi-autonomous NGO Bureau and its re-establishment as a department within the Ministry of Internal Affairs, signalling a move towards centralized decision-making, control and increased government oversight of NGO affairs.
“We call for a comprehensive review of the operations of organizations like Amnesty International in Nigeria. We believe that their continued presence and influence may do more harm than good, and we advocate for a ban on their activities within our borders. It is time for us to take a stand against the manipulation of narratives that seek to pit us against one another.
“We urge all Nigerians to remain vigilant and united in the face of these challenges. We must not allow external forces to dictate the terms of our coexistence. Instead, let us come together as one people, embracing our diversity while standing firm against any attempts to divide us. The Coalition of Northern Groups is committed to promoting peace, understanding, and collaboration among all Nigerians, regardless of their faith.”
