Amnesty International has called on Nigerian military authorities under Operation Hadin Kai to immediately charge to court or release civilians allegedly being held for prolonged periods without trial at the Joint Investigation Centre (JIC) in Giwa Barracks, Maiduguri.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, The human rights organisation also called for an investigation into allegations of arbitrary arrests, extortion and prolonged detention, saying such practices could violate protections guaranteed under Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, as amended, as well as applicable international human rights and humanitarian law.
“People should not be held indefinitely without charge, access to legal representation or an opportunity to challenge the lawfulness of their detention,” Amnesty International said.
According to cases documented by the organisation, civilians from different parts of Borno State have allegedly been arrested and detained for extended periods without being formally charged.
Among those cited is Mohammed Kontoma, a roadside petrol seller from Konduga Local Government Area. Amnesty International said Kontoma was arrested in Maiduguri in August 2025 while carrying 25 litres of fuel in containers and has allegedly remained in Giwa Barracks without trial.
The organisation also highlighted the case of Aisami Abatcha, a local pick-up driver from Gubio LGA, who was reportedly arrested on April 13, 2026, along the Dunga-Gubio road.
According to the account documented by Amnesty International, Abatcha was arrested after allegedly 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, Abubakar Isa Izge, a charcoal seller from Gwoza LGA, was allegedly arrested on the same day in Gidan Dambe by officers reported to be from the Department of State Services and subsequently transferred to Giwa Barracks.
His family alleged that N700,000 went missing during his arrest, an allegation Amnesty International said should be independently investigated.
The organisation further cited the case of Umar Usman, a fisherman from Baga town in Kukawa LGA, who was reportedly arrested in 2024 after using a small solar panel to charge mobile phones. Amnesty International said he has remained in detention for about two years without formal charges or access to his family.
It also raised concerns about Abor Modu, from Jere LGA, who was allegedly implicated and detained after reporting CJTF members over alleged extortion and threats of abduction.
In another case, Kyari Modu Kukawa was reportedly arrested while travelling in his vehicle along a road in Damasak, Mobbar LGA, in October 2025. Amnesty International said he was subsequently taken to Giwa Barracks and has allegedly remained there without trial or access to lawyers and family members.
Amnesty International urged Nigerian authorities to investigate allegations of arbitrary arrests and extortion involving CJTF personnel at checkpoints across Borno State and ensure accountability where wrongdoing is established.
“The Nigerian authorities must investigate allegations of arbitrary arrests and extortion at checkpoints and ensure that anyone reasonably suspected of criminal responsibility is brought to justice through a fair process,” the organisation said.
It also called on the authorities to guarantee detainees access to lawyers and their families and ensure that anyone deprived of liberty is promptly brought before a competent court.
“The right to liberty means that no person should be arrested or detained without lawful grounds, including reasonable suspicion of having committed a recognisable criminal offence.
“The right to a fair trial also includes being brought promptly before a judge, having access to legal representation, being protected from torture and other ill-treatment, and being presumed innocent unless and until proved guilty,” Amnesty International said.
Amnesty International called on the military authorities to review the cases of civilians being held at the JIC and either bring credible criminal charges before a competent court or release those against whom there is insufficient evidence.
It said allegations surrounding the conduct of security personnel and CJTF members should be subjected to prompt, independent and impartial investigations.
“Prolonged detention without charge or trial cannot become a substitute for justice.
“Anyone suspected of an offence should be charged and given a fair trial; those against whom there is no sufficient evidence should be released,” it said.