A civil rights group, the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety), has alleged that at least 180 persons were killed in the South-East between December 2024 and January 2025 by both security agencies and non-state actors.
The group further claimed that ₦21.8 billion was extorted from residents during the same period.
In a statement released on Thursday, Intersociety accused security operatives and armed groups of orchestrating killings, abductions, and disappearances, allegedly to amass billions of naira during the festive season.
The statement, made available to newsmen, was signed by Emeka Umeagbalasi (Board Chair), Chinwe Umeche, Esq. (Head, Democracy and Good Governance Program), Chidinma Udegbunam, Esq. (Head, Campaign and Publicity), and Obianuju Joy Igboeli, Esq. (Head, Civil Liberties and Rule of Law).
Breakdown of Allegations
Extortion by Security Agencies
Intersociety claimed that security personnel allegedly extorted ₦21.8 billion at roadblocks and barracks across the South-East within the two-month period:
Police: ₦15 billion
Military: ₦6.8 billion
The report identified the Uga Junction and Atani Road Naval checkpoints in Anambra State as the most “lucrative,” alleging that officers at these locations extorted ₦600 million within two months, averaging ₦1 million daily.
The group also claimed that over 300 military roadblocks and 500 police patrol teams operate in the region, with 98% allegedly engaging in extortion.
According to the report, an average of ₦100,000 was illicitly collected daily at each military checkpoint, amounting to:
₦80 million daily across 800 roadblocks and patrol teams.
₦2.4 billion per month and ₦4.8 billion over two months (December 2024 – January 2025).
An additional ₦2 billion allegedly extorted from barracks, bringing the military’s total to ₦6.8 billion.
For the police, Intersociety alleged that:
Imo State (700 roadblocks) accounted for ₦2.94 billion over two months.
Anambra State (600 roadblocks): ₦2.52 billion.
Abia State (500 roadblocks): ₦2.1 billion.
Enugu State (400 roadblocks): ₦1.68 billion.
Ebonyi State (300 roadblocks): ₦1.26 billion.
Kidnapping and Killings
The report further alleged that:
Kidnappers extorted ₦1.2 billion in ransom payments from victims within two months.
₦600 million was collected from abductees between December 28, 2024, and January 18, 2025.
140 civilians were killed by armed non-state actors, while another 40 were allegedly killed extrajudicially by security forces and vigilantes.
200 persons were abducted, including 160 by armed groups and 40 allegedly detained illegally by security forces.
Legal Implications
Intersociety highlighted that these alleged acts of extortion by security personnel contravene Section 108 of the Armed Forces Act (2004), which prescribes a 14-year jail term for military personnel found guilty of extortion.
Security Agencies Yet to Respond
As of the time of this report, both the Nigerian military and police had not issued any statement regarding the allegations.
This is not the first time Intersociety has made similar accusations against security forces in the South-East. However, the authorities have often dismissed such claims in the past.