Amnesty Urges Investigation Into Alleged Deaths of Fulani Detainees in Nigeria Military Camp

Mintesinot Niggusie

Amnesty International has called on Nigerian authorities to investigate reports that at least 150 members of the Fulani community, most of them children, have died while being held at a military site in the north-central state of Kwara.

The organisation said about 1,500 Fulani pastoralists have been detained for three months at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp in Yikpata after being displaced by attacks from armed groups. It said the group was moved there by the military following their flight from violence in parts of Kwara State, including Asa, Edu, Ifelodun and Patigi local government areas.

Amnesty said conditions at the camp are overcrowded and unsanitary, with restricted movement, limited food, disease outbreaks and acute malnutrition. It added that at least 100 pregnant women are being held in conditions that pose serious health risks due to inadequate maternal care.

Isa Sanusi, Amnesty International Nigeria Director, said the situation reflects “persecution on two fronts”, involving both armed groups and military detention practices.

“Members of the Fulani community face persecution on two fronts – from armed groups and the military. Instead of receiving protection, they are being denied their rights to personal liberty, livelihood, movement, education and healthcare,” he said.

Between April 5 and April 11, 2026, Amnesty researchers visited the camp and other locations in Kwara State, interviewing 30 detainees, survivors and relatives, and engaging with 60 people in total. The organisation also said images from the camp show severely malnourished children with visible signs of starvation.

Some detainees said they fled violence before being gathered at a designated location and transported by the military to Yikpata. They reported worsening conditions after arrival, including limited food and lack of medical care.

A detained woman said she lost her twin daughters due to hunger and described repeated deaths among children and pregnant women. Another man who said he escaped claimed that 154 people had died in the camp from hunger and disease.

Amnesty also reported allegations of identity-based profiling, unlawful searches, accusations of crimes and demands for bribes against some individuals.

The organisation called for an immediate investigation, an end to arbitrary detention, and accountability for those responsible.