Amnesty International has expressed deep concern over what it described as an increasing crackdown on social media commentary related to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East by Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS).
In a statement, the rights organisation said at least two individuals residing in Kaduna have been detained by the security agency over their online comments about the conflict. It added that one of the detainees is reportedly facing what it described as a “sham trial” based on what it termed unfounded charges.
The group also said it had received reports that several critics of the policies of the United States and Israel had been summoned by the DSS for questioning.
According to Amnesty International, the alleged actions represent targeted repression that could undermine public confidence in the neutrality of state institutions and create what it called a “climate of fear.”
The organisation stressed that criticism of a country’s policies or its leadership does not amount to violence or incitement.
“Opposition to a government’s policies is not hatred toward a country or its people,” the statement noted, warning that equating criticism of the governments of the United States or Israel with incitement to violence constitutes a dangerous distortion.
It added that such actions send a chilling message that peaceful dissent—including views expressed about the policies of foreign governments—may not be tolerated in Nigeria.
Amnesty International further argued that the alleged targeting of critics lacks legal justification under international human rights law and could violate protections for freedom of expression.
The organisation therefore called on Nigerian authorities to refrain from suppressing lawful online expression and urged them to uphold constitutional and international human rights obligations, particularly the right to freedom of expression.
