The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education CHRICED on Wednesday expressed outrage over what it described as a disturbing rise in alleged extrajudicial killings by security operatives across Nigeria, warning of a growing breakdown in accountability and respect for human life.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, the organisation said the frequency and brazenness of such incidents highlight “a dangerous collapse of discipline within the nation’s security institutions.”
The group cited two incidents that occurred on April 26, 2026, as emblematic of the trend. In one case, a National Youth Service Corps member was reportedly shot dead in Dei-Dei by personnel attached to a military formation. While initial accounts described the incident as crossfire, eyewitnesses have reportedly challenged that narrative.
On the same day in Effurun, a police officer was captured on video allegedly shooting a civilian in broad daylight, sparking widespread outrage.
“These killings are not isolated incidents but part of a persistent pattern of state violence that Nigerians have protested against for years,” Zikirullahi said.
Zikirullahi recalled the #EndSARS protests and noted that despite promises of reform, incidents of alleged excessive force and unlawful killings have continued.
Read also: Women Outnumber Men in Police Recruitment Applications in Some States — PSC
He also raised concerns over plans to recruit 50,000 additional police personnel, warning that expansion without proper training and accountability measures could worsen the situation.
“A democratic society cannot survive when security operatives assume the roles of investigator, judge, and executioner,” the Executive Director stated, stressing that all suspects are entitled to due process.
The Executive Director further expressed concern over reports that families of victims are sometimes pressured to abandon justice, describing such actions as a threat to the rule of law.
He called on the Federal Government to ensure independent and transparent investigations into all alleged extrajudicial killings, with full prosecution of any officers found culpable.
“Justice cannot be negotiated. It cannot be buried. It cannot be silenced,” Zikirullahi added.
He also urged comprehensive reforms, including improved training on human rights, stronger oversight mechanisms, and public disclosure of investigation outcomes to rebuild public trust.
According to him, continued failure to address the issue could erode democratic values and deepen insecurity across the country