The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has raised serious concerns over the increasing cases of alleged extrajudicial killings by security operatives in Nigeria, warning that the trend poses a grave threat to the rule of law and human rights.
In a statement issued on April 29, 2026, and signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, the organisation condemned what it described as a disturbing pattern of unchecked violence, citing two incidents that occurred on April 26. In Dei Dei, Abuja, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member was reportedly shot dead inside his father’s compound by a military officer, while in Effurun, Delta State, a police officer allegedly killed a civilian in a daylight shooting over a parcel dispute.
CHRICED noted that eyewitness accounts in the Abuja incident contradicted initial claims that the shooting resulted from crossfire, while the Delta incident, captured on video, has sparked widespread outrage across the country. The organisation stressed that such cases reflect a broader pattern of excessive use of force by security agencies.
The group recalled that similar abuses triggered the nationwide #EndSARS protests and referenced reports indicating that several Nigerians were killed during the 2024 #EndBadGovernance protests. It expressed concern that despite promises of reform, incidents of brutality and impunity persist.
While acknowledging plans by authorities to recruit additional police personnel, CHRICED cautioned that expanding the force without proper vetting, human rights training, and accountability frameworks could worsen the situation. It emphasized that all citizens are entitled to due process and that no officer has the right to take life unlawfully.
The organisation also condemned alleged attempts to pressure victims’ families into abandoning justice through out-of-court settlements, describing such actions as a violation of the rule of law.
CHRICED called on the Federal Government to ensure independent, transparent, and timely investigations into all reported cases of extrajudicial killings, and to prosecute those found culpable regardless of rank. It further recommended comprehensive reforms in the security sector, including improved training, stronger oversight mechanisms, and public disclosure of investigation outcomes.
The organisation warned that continued impunity could erode public trust, weaken democratic institutions, and deepen insecurity if urgent action is not taken.