The human rights group Amnesty International has called on Nigerian authorities to stop what it described as a growing crackdown on individuals criticising the governments of the United States and Israel.
In a press release issued on March 13, 2026, the organisation said it was concerned about reports of actions by the Department of State Services (DSS) targeting social media commentary related to the ongoing Middle East conflict.
According to Amnesty International, at least two residents of Kaduna have been detained.
The organisation also alleged that one of them could face trial on what it described as questionable charges.
In addition, Amnesty said it had received reports that some individuals who criticised the United States and Israel had been invited for questioning by the DSS.
The organisation warned that such actions could undermine trust in public institutions and create fear among citizens.
It stressed that criticism of government policies or political leaders is part of the right to freedom of expression.
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This right, Amnesty noted, is protected under the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) and international human rights agreements, including the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Amnesty International urged Nigerian authorities to end what it described as repression against individuals expressing peaceful opinions.
The organisation also called on the government to ensure that the rights of citizens to express their views, both online and offline, are protected.
It added that targeting individuals for criticising foreign governments could send a troubling signal about the state of free speech in Nigeria.
