Amnesty said that nearly a decade after the killings, victims and survivors have been abandoned by the state, with no credible investigations initiated and no perpetrators held accountable.
The Nigerian government and its security agencies have refused to investigate a deadly campaign of extrajudicial executions and violence carried out against pro-Biafra campaigners in the South-East, despite overwhelming evidence that at least 150 peaceful protesters were killed, the Amnesty International Nigeria has said.
In a statement issued on Monday via its official X handle, the human rights organisation accused Nigerian security forces, led by the military, of orchestrating what it described as a “chilling campaign” of unlawful killings between August 2015 and August 2016 under late president Muhammadu Buhari's administration.
“Between August 2015 to August 2016, the Nigerian security forces, led by the military, embarked on a chilling campaign of extrajudicial executions and violence,” Amnesty International Nigeria said.
“This resulted in the deaths of at least 150 peaceful pro-Biafra protesters in the south east of the country.”
Amnesty said that nearly a decade after the killings, victims and survivors have been abandoned by the state, with no credible investigations initiated and no perpetrators held accountable.
“Despite overwhelming evidence that the Nigerian security forces committed gross human rights violations including extrajudicial executions and torture, no investigations have been carried out by the authorities,” the organisation stated.
“The victims and survivors must get justice.”
The group said its findings were based on extensive research, including eyewitness testimonies, medical reports and video evidence, all of which point to the use of excessive and lethal force against unarmed demonstrators.
“Peaceful protesters were shot at close range, arbitrarily arrested, tortured and in many cases killed,” Amnesty said.
“The scale of these violations and the complete absence of accountability are deeply alarming.”
Amnesty International Nigeria warned that the government’s continued silence and inaction have entrenched a culture of impunity within the country’s security agencies.
“By refusing to investigate these grave crimes, the Nigerian authorities are sending a dangerous signal that security forces can kill with impunity,” the organisation said. “This denial of justice only fuels further human rights violations.”
The organisation called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to immediately order independent, impartial and transparent investigations into the killings and to ensure that all those responsible, regardless of rank, are prosecuted in line with international standards.
“The Nigerian government must demonstrate its commitment to the rule of law,” Amnesty said.
“Families of those killed deserve truth, justice and reparations, not years of silence.”
Between August 2015 to August 2016, the Nigerian security forces, led by the military, embarked on a chilling campaign of extrajudicial executions and violence resulting in the deaths of at least 150 peaceful pro-Biafra protesters in the south east of the country. The victims and… pic.twitter.com/whtECBITrS
— Amnesty International Nigeria (@AmnestyNigeria) January 19, 2026
The pro-Biafra movement, which advocates the secession of Nigeria’s South-East region, has remained a sensitive security issue. Rights groups have consistently raised concerns over the heavy-handed response of security forces to demonstrations linked to the movement, particularly those involving the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
As of the time of filing this report, there was no official response from the Nigerian government or security agencies to Amnesty International Nigeria’s statement.