Odita Sunday 
HURIWA Raises Alarm Over Rising Extrajudicial Killings, Demands Urgent Reforms
By Odita Sunday
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has raised serious concerns over what it described as a growing wave of extrajudicial killings by security operatives, warning that the trend now constitutes a national emergency and a grave threat to the rule of law.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, on April 29, 2026, the rights group condemned what it termed the increasing pattern of unlawful killings allegedly carried out by personnel of the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force, describing the situation as dangerous, unacceptable and symptomatic of deep-rooted institutional failures.
HURIWA stated that Nigeria was gradually drifting into a state where institutions constitutionally mandated to protect lives were increasingly implicated in their violation, stressing that persistent reports of such killings reflect a troubling climate of impunity and weak accountability.
“Nigeria is fast descending into a state where institutions meant to protect lives are increasingly implicated in their violation. The persistent reports of unlawful killings point to a troubling climate of impunity, weak accountability and systemic disregard for human rights,” the statement read.
The group cited the recent killing of an NYSC member, Abdulsamad Jamiu, in Abuja as a stark example, noting that eyewitness accounts and family testimonies have raised doubts over official claims that the incident occurred during a crossfire.
According to HURIWA, “The young man was reportedly shot inside his home in Shagari Estate, Dei-Dei, raising serious questions about the official claim of ‘crossfire’ during an anti-robbery operation.”
The association argued that such incidents reflect a broader pattern where security agencies often provide “convenient explanations” without subjecting their actions to transparent and independent investigations.
It further recalled previous incidents, including reports of mass civilian casualties resulting from aerial bombardments in Borno State, where over 200 persons were reportedly killed, lamenting that such cases have often been dismissed without justice for victims.
“These recurring violations signal a breakdown in command responsibility and an alarming tolerance for the loss of civilian lives. The fundamental rights to life and dignity are being systematically undermined,” the group stated.
HURIWA also drew attention to a recent alleged case of extrajudicial execution in Delta State involving a 28-year-old man identified as Ogidi Mena, accusing police operatives of carrying out a daylight killing.
The group cited eyewitness accounts alleging that the victim, who had gone to collect a waybill at Effurun, was apprehended after a firearm was discovered in the package and later shot despite reportedly offering to assist authorities in identifying the source.
According to the statement, the suspect was initially subdued by motor park officials and handed over to the police, but was allegedly shot multiple times by an officer identified as ASP Nuhu Usman.
HURIWA commended the intervention of the Area Commander, ACP Aliyu Shaba, who reportedly ordered the arrest and disarming of the officer involved, while calling for a thorough investigation and prosecution of all those found culpable.
The organisation outlined a number of demands, including immediate independent investigations into all cases of alleged extrajudicial killings, stressing that such probes must be transparent, time-bound and made public.
It also called for strict accountability measures, insisting that any security personnel found guilty must face full prosecution without protection or cover-up, regardless of rank.
The group further urged the Federal Government to establish a structured compensation mechanism for families of victims, noting that justice must include restitution and support for those affected.
HURIWA also advocated far-reaching institutional reforms within the armed forces and police, aimed at strengthening oversight, enforcing rules of engagement and ensuring compliance with human rights standards.
Additionally, the organisation signalled its intention to engage international human rights bodies to ensure independent review of alleged violations in line with global standards.
“Nigeria cannot continue on this path where citizens live in fear of those entrusted with their protection. The continued erosion of accountability within security institutions poses a grave threat to democracy, public trust and national stability,” the statement added.
HURIWA reiterated its solidarity with victims and their families, while calling for urgent and decisive action to halt what it described as a dangerous and escalating trend.
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