Amnesty International has urged Nigerian authorities to immediately stop what it described as a growing crackdown on individuals who criticise the governments of the United States and Israel.
In a statement released on Friday, the rights organisation said it was seriously worried about the actions of the Department of State Services (DSS), particularly over how people expressing opinions on social media about the ongoing conflict in the Middle East are being treated.
According to Amnesty, the situation has already led to the detention of at least two individuals in Kaduna.
“At least two people, both residents of Kaduna, have been detained, and one of them is reportedly facing what appears to be a sham trial based on questionable charges,” the organisation said.
Amnesty International also revealed that it had received reports indicating that several other Nigerians who publicly criticised the policies of the United States and Israel had been invited or summoned by the DSS for questioning.
The organisation warned that such actions could weaken respect for human rights and damage public trust in state institutions.
“These increasingly authoritarian practices undermine fundamental rights and erode confidence in the neutrality of state institutions, while also creating an atmosphere of fear,” the statement noted.
Amnesty stressed that criticising the actions or policies of any government is part of the fundamental right to freedom of expression and should never be treated as a criminal offence.
“Criticising the policies of any government or its leaders is a legitimate exercise of the right to freedom of expression,” the organisation said, adding that this right is protected under Nigeria’s Constitution as well as international human rights agreements.
The group specifically referred to the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and international instruments such as the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which guarantee citizens the right to express opinions and share ideas without fear of punishment.
Amnesty International therefore urged Nigerian authorities to end what it described as the growing repression of individuals who are peacefully exercising their rights.
“Nigerian authorities must put an end to attacks and repression against people who are simply exercising their human rights in a peaceful manner,” the organisation said.
It further warned that targeting individuals for criticising the policies of the United States or Israel could send a dangerous signal that peaceful dissent is not tolerated in the country.
“Targeting people for criticising the governments of the United States or Israel sends a chilling message that peaceful dissent is not welcome in Nigeria,” the statement added.
The organisation concluded by calling on Nigerian authorities to ensure that everyone in the country enjoys their rights without fear.
“The authorities must respect and protect the human rights of all people in Nigeria, including the right to freedom of expression both online and offline,” Amnesty said.
They urged the government to refrain from actions that could silence critics.
