Amnesty International has raised the alarm over escalating kidnappings and armed attacks in Kaduna, Niger and Zamfara states, warning that the violence is forcing residents to flee their homes and threatening to trigger a humanitarian crisis.
The human rights organisation said no part of Millennium City in Kaduna town was safe, as gunmen continued to abduct residents and operate with impunity.
In a statement Tuesday, Amnesty International said more than a dozen people were abducted when gunmen invaded the Kyauta area of Millennium City on August 19.
It added that the attacks were occurring even in broad daylight, forcing some residents to organise local vigilante groups for protection while others were abandoning their homes in search of safety.
The organisation also cited the abduction of Ahmad Abubakar Zakka, his wife and their baby daughter, who were reportedly kidnapped on October 5, 2026, when gunmen invaded Alrahus Estate in Millennium City, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
A viral video of the family showed their abductors pointing AK-47 rifles at their heads and threatening to shoot them, according to the statement.
Amnesty International said the persistent killings and abductions, coupled with what it described as the authorities’ failure to stop the attacks and bring suspected perpetrators to justice, continued to threaten residents’ right to life.
The organisation also expressed concern over escalating attacks in parts of Rijau Local Government Area of Niger State and communities in Zamfara State, which it said had displaced hundreds of residents.
It showed a video of villagers fleeing their communities and abandoning homes, farms and other livelihoods as the harvest season approached.
The organisation accused Nigerian authorities of incompetence and disregard for human life in their response to the attacks, warning that rural communities across the North were being left at the mercy of armed groups.
According to Amnesty International, gunmen have killed hundreds of people in the region since 2018, while the continuing violence has undermined livelihoods and heightened the risk of a major humanitarian crisis.
It called for urgent action to end the violence, protect vulnerable communities and prevent further loss of lives and livelihoods.
