Amnesty International has released a detailed account of alleged human rights abuses that occurred during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing his 8 years in office as a period marked by unlawful killings, repression and widespread violations linked to state security forces and other armed groups.
Buhari governed Nigeria from 2015 to 2023 and passed away in July 2025 at the age of 82.
In a report made public on Monday, the global rights organisation highlighted numerous incidents across different parts of the country. These included allegations of extrajudicial killings, violent suppression of protests, intimidation of journalists and abuse of women and other vulnerable groups.
One of the most disturbing cases cited was the killing of more than 350 civilians by the Nigerian military in Zaria between December twelve and fourteen in 2015. Amnesty described the incident as a mass slaughter involving men, women and children.
The organisation also accused security agencies of violently targeting pro Biafra activists. According to the report, at least 150 peaceful protesters were killed between August 2015 and August 2016 during operations carried out against separatist groups.
Amnesty said the deadliest incident occurred during Biafra Remembrance Day on May 30, 2016 in Onitsha, Anambra State. The group alleged that security forces raided homes and a church where supporters of the Indigenous People of Biafra were staying, resulting in the deaths of many participants, with some reportedly burned alive.
The report further blamed rising communal violence on what it described as the government’s failure to hold perpetrators accountable. Amnesty stated that clashes between farmers and herders escalated during Buhari’s tenure, leading to at least three thousand six hundred and forty one deaths within three years. More than half of those deaths were recorded in 2018 alone.
Restrictions on media freedom were also highlighted. Amnesty alleged that journalists and bloggers were frequently harassed, detained and assaulted during the administration. Between January and September 2019, at least 19 media professionals were reportedly attacked or arrested, with some forced into hiding. The report also referenced raids on media organisations including Daily Trust and Premium Times.
On the nationwide protests against police brutality in 2020, Amnesty said peaceful demonstrations calling for the disbandment of the Special Anti Robbery Squad were met with violent force. According to the organisation, at least 56 people were killed across the country, including 12 protesters at Lekki Toll Gate and Alausa in Lagos on October 20, 2020.
Amnesty also accused security forces and allied civilian groups of abusing women and girls affected by the Boko Haram conflict. The report alleged that thousands of survivors were subjected to sexual violence, including rape, sometimes in exchange for food and basic necessities.
The organisation attributed these alleged abuses to deep rooted failures in accountability and justice during the Buhari administration. It added that despite repeated promises by successive governments to address human rights concerns, meaningful reform has remained elusive.
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