Amnesty International has called on the Nigerian military authorities under Operation Hadin Kai to immediately investigate allegations of arbitrary arrests, prolonged detentions, and extortion involving civilians held at the Joint Investigation Centre (JIC) in Giwa Barracks, Maiduguri, Borno State.
In a statement obtained by The News Chronicle on Tuesday, the human rights organization urged the authorities to either charge the affected detainees before a competent court or release them, alleging that many have been held for months or years without trial, access to lawyers, or contact with their families.
Amnesty International said its investigation uncovered what it described as a disturbing pattern of arbitrary arrests, extortion, and long-term detention, which it said violates the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended), as well as international human rights and humanitarian law.
The organization highlighted several cases, including that of Mohammed Kontoma, a roadside petrol seller from Konduga Local Government Area, who was reportedly arrested in Maiduguri while carrying 25 litres of fuel in August 2025 and has remained in detention without trial.
It also cited the case of Aisami Abatcha, a pickup driver from Gubio LGA, who was allegedly arrested on April 13, 2026, after refusing to pay a bribe demanded by members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) at a checkpoint before being handed over to military authorities.
Another detainee mentioned is Abubakar Isa Izge, a charcoal seller from Gwoza LGA, who was allegedly arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), with his family claiming that N700,000 went missing during the arrest.
According to the report, Umar Usman, a fisherman from Baga in Kukawa LGA, has remained in detention since 2024 after being arrested for allegedly using a small solar panel to charge mobile phones.
The organization also identified Abor Modu from Jere LGA, who was allegedly detained after reporting extortion and threats by CJTF members, and Kyari Modu Kukawa, who was reportedly arrested in Damasak, Mobbar LGA, in October 2025 and has remained in custody without trial.
Amnesty International further urged Nigerian authorities to investigate allegations of extortion and arbitrary arrests at checkpoints by CJTF personnel and ensure that all detainees have access to legal representation, family members, and fair judicial processes.
The organization stressed that the right to liberty protects individuals from arbitrary arrest and detention and that anyone arrested should be promptly brought before a court and presumed innocent until proven guilty.
