Amnesty International has accused the Nigerian military of forcibly displacing civilians and demolishing homes in Ganari community, Monguno, amid a renewed escalation of attacks by Boko Haram.
In a statement, the rights group alleged that more than 500 homes were destroyed and over 1,500 residents displaced following a demolition exercise reportedly carried out by the military beginning late on April 12, 2026. The operation, it said, has left thousands of civilians—many of them women, children and the elderly—without shelter.
Ganari, located about three kilometres from Monguno town, hosts both local residents and internally displaced persons already affected by years of insurgency. Amnesty International described the latest development as an “unlawful tactic” with severe humanitarian consequences.
According to accounts cited by the organisation, some residents, anticipating the destruction, dismantled parts of their homes to salvage roofing materials and other valuables before the demolitions. Others were left stranded, seeking refuge in open spaces or with relatives.
One affected resident recounted being forced to sleep outdoors under difficult conditions, highlighting the dire circumstances faced by displaced families.
Amnesty International noted that many of those affected had previously been displaced multiple times due to the protracted conflict involving Boko Haram, compounding their vulnerability.
The organisation called on the Nigerian government to investigate the incident and ensure accountability, urging authorities to adopt measures that prevent military operations from further displacing civilian populations already impacted by insurgency.
