A recent U.S. government report has raised serious concerns about human rights abuses in Nigeria, alleging widespread torture, sexual exploitation, and arbitrary detention under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The Human Rights Practices 2024 report, released by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, implicates units within Nigeria’s police, military, and Department of State Services (DSS) in systemic violations.
Allegations of Torture and Exploitation
The report highlights instances where detainees were allegedly tortured, threatened, or humiliated while in custody. It also cites cases of sexual abuse against internally displaced persons (IDPs), including children, particularly in Maiduguri, Borno State. Impunity within security forces remains a major concern, according to the report.
Despite laws criminalizing torture and degrading treatment, enforcement is inconsistent. Federal legislation covers only the Federal Capital Territory and federal agencies unless states pass similar laws. By the end of 2024, 30 of Nigeria’s 36 states had enacted either the federal law or compliant legislation.
Notable Case: Journalist Detained
Segun Olatunji, former editor of FirstNews Online, was detained by the Defence Intelligence Agency on March 15, 2024. Held incommunicado for two weeks, Olatunji reported being tortured, threatened, and humiliated for investigating official corruption, illustrating the risks faced by journalists under the current administration.
Other Human Rights Concerns
The report also documents gender-based violence by prison guards and the ongoing practice of female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) despite federal and state bans. A UN Population Fund study revealed that 22 states outlaw FGM/C, yet enforcement is rare, and one in four women and girls have undergone the practice. NGOs further reported that some local authorities questioned the applicability of state laws in their jurisdictions.
While the Nigerian government claims to investigate and hold abusive officers accountable, outcomes of these inquiries are rarely made public, reinforcing concerns over entrenched impunity in security institutions.
Key Takeaways from the Report
- Security forces, including police, military, and DSS, were implicated in torture and abuse.
- Legal protections exist, but enforcement is limited and penalties for violators are unclear.
- Journalists and critics of corruption remain at risk of detention and mistreatment.
- Gender-based violence and exploitation of IDPs continue in some regions.
- FGM/C persists despite legal prohibitions, highlighting enforcement gaps.
The report paints a concerning picture of systemic human rights challenges under the Tinubu administration, emphasizing the urgent need for stronger oversight, accountability, and enforcement of laws protecting citizens.