Amnesty International Nigeria has raised renewed concerns over the enforced disappearance of three individuals in the South-East, calling on the Nigerian military and the Department of State Services (DSS) to disclose their whereabouts.

The rights organisation noted the cases of Ikechukwu Henry from Orlu in Imo State, and Mr. and Mrs. Sunday Ifedi of Ezeagu community in Enugu State, who have been missing since 2021.

In a post on X on Monday, Amnesty reported that Ikechukwu Henry was arrested by Nigerian Army personnel on August 23, 2021, around 2:00 a.m. at his residence in Garki, Enugu, and has not been seen since.

“@HQNigerianArmy: Where is Ikechukwu Henry from Orlu in Imo state who was taken by soldiers on 23 August 2021 at about 2:00am from his residence at Garki Enugu? The Hilux vehicle that took him drove off to Nigerian army 82 Division Enugu. Since then nothing has been heard about him,” the organisation wrote.

Amnesty also reported that DSS operatives arrested the Ifedis on November 23, 2021, at their home in Enugu. “@OfficialDSSNG: Where are Mr. Sunday Ifedi and Mrs. Calista Ifedi, a couple from Ezeagu community in Ezeagu LGA of Enugu state, your operatives took from their home in Enugu on 23 November 2021?” the post added.

The organisation cited its broader findings on abuses in South-East Nigeria, noting that since March 2011, thousands of detainees have been subjected to extrajudicial killings, torture, and other forms of abuse. According to the report, about 1,200 people were extrajudicially killed, and approximately 7,000 young men and boys died in military custody. Hundreds of individuals have reportedly disappeared for their support of Biafra restoration movements.

Amnesty stated that its report was based on extensive research, including interviews with hundreds of individuals and leaked internal military documents. It added that military commanders either sanctioned the abuses or failed to prevent them.

The Nigerian military has rejected Amnesty’s claims. Army spokesman Major General Chris Olukolade said the report aimed to undermine the military’s efforts against terrorism. “The rights group appears to have an agenda to undermine the army’s resolve to combat terrorism in the country,” Olukolade said, assuring Nigerians that the military remains committed to fighting Boko Haram militants.

Amnesty’s call emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability regarding the missing individuals, urging both the military and DSS to provide information about their current status. (The Guardian)