By Hussaini Ibrahim
The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education has condemned the rising cases of alleged extra-judicial killings by security operatives across Nigeria, warning that the country cannot continue on a path of bloodshed and impunity.
The organisation said the increasing frequency of such incidents reflected a dangerous breakdown of discipline, accountability and respect for human life within security institutions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by CHRICED Executive Director, Comrade Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi.
The group cited two incidents that occurred on April 26, 2026, including the alleged killing of a National Youth Service Corps member in Dei Dei, Abuja, by a military officer attached to a brigade guard.
It said eyewitnesses reportedly contradicted claims that the incident resulted from crossfire, alleging that the officer later admitted the shooting was a mistake.
CHRICED also referenced the fatal shooting of a civilian in Effurun, Delta State, where a police officer was captured in a viral video allegedly opening fire during an argument over a suspected waybill parcel.
According to the organisation, the incidents have renewed public outrage over unchecked brutality by security personnel.
“These killings are not random or isolated. They form part of a persistent and deadly pattern of state violence that Nigerians have protested for years,” the statement read.
The group recalled that similar abuses triggered the #EndSARS protests, where young Nigerians demanded justice, dignity and reforms in the security sector.
It added that despite promises made after the protests, little had changed, as killings continued while impunity deepened.
CHRICED also cited Amnesty International’s report that at least 24 Nigerians were killed during the 2024 #EndBadGovernance protests by police using excessive force.
The organisation expressed concern over plans to recruit 50,000 additional police personnel, warning that expansion without proper vetting, rights-based training and value reorientation could worsen abuses.
“A democratic society cannot survive when security operatives assume the roles of investigator, judge and executioner,” it said. “Every suspect, regardless of allegation, is entitled to due process.”
The group further condemned reports that some families of victims were pressured to withdraw cases or accept private settlements instead of pursuing justice.
“Justice cannot be negotiated. It cannot be buried. It cannot be silenced,” the statement added.
CHRICED called on the Federal Government to treat all alleged extra-judicial killings as matters of national urgency and public interest.
It demanded independent and transparent investigations, prosecution of culpable officers regardless of rank, reforms in security training, stronger civilian complaint channels, psychological evaluation of armed personnel and public disclosure of investigation outcomes.
The organisation said every unlawful killing weakened democracy, eroded public trust and pushed Nigeria deeper into fear and instability.