Amnesty International Nigeria has sounded a warning over what it describes as growing threats to the safety of human rights defenders who expose alleged abuses by security agencies.
At the centre of the concern is Okechukwu Nwanguma, executive director of the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), whose advocacy around alleged violations at the Tiger Base police detention facility has reportedly made him a target of intimidation.
In a statement, Amnesty International said the threats against Nwanguma appear linked to his efforts to demand accountability for alleged human rights abuses at the controversial detention centre.
The organisation noted that attempts to silence critics through intimidation undermine the rule of law and erode public trust in institutions tasked with protecting citizens.
The rights group also raised concerns about Nonso Nkwa, an independent radio broadcaster and activist based in Owerri, who is reportedly facing similar threats after reporting on alleged abuses at the same facility.
Amnesty described both men as courageous defenders of human rights whose work reflects the essential role of civil society and independent media in holding power to account.
Amnesty International warned that the targeting of activists, journalists, and whistleblowers represents a troubling pattern that threatens freedom of expression and civic space in Nigeria.
The organisation called on authorities to launch a thorough and impartial investigation into the alleged harassment, stressing that those who speak out against abuse must be protected, not punished for their advocacy.
