According to a report by the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety), at least 180 people were killed, and over N21 billion was extorted in the South-East region of Nigeria between December 2024 and January 2025. The organization accused security agencies and non-state actors of being responsible for the killings, abductions, and financial extortion during the festive season.
In a statement released on Thursday, Intersociety claimed that the period was marked by widespread violence, kidnappings, and illegal financial demands from civilians. The report was signed by Emeka Umeagbalasi, Board Chair of Intersociety, alongside other key members, including Chinwe Umeche, Esquire, Head of Democracy and Good Governance Program, Chidinma Udegbunam, Esquire, Head of Campaign and Publicity, and Obianuju Joy Igboeli, Esquire, Head of Civil Liberties and Rule of Law.
The report stated that law enforcement agencies, particularly the police and military, allegedly extorted N21.8 billion from civilians at roadblocks and barracks across the region. “Police and military seized at gunpoint and criminally pocketed N21.8 billion (police N15 billion and military N6.8 billion) from South-East roadblock and barracks’ extortions in two months: Dec 2024-Jan 2025,” the report stated.
Further details in the report pointed to specific locations where these activities were most severe. It noted that naval checkpoints at Uga Junction and Atani Road in Anambra State were among the most profitable, with an estimated N600 million allegedly extorted within two months. The report also alleged that kidnappers collected approximately N600 million in ransom from abducted victims between December 28, 2024, and January 18, 2025, bringing the total estimated ransom payments within two months to N1.2 billion.
Regarding fatalities, the report claimed that 180 civilians were killed in the period under review. It stated that 140 of these deaths were caused by armed non-state actors, while 40 others were reportedly killed unlawfully by security forces and vigilante groups. Additionally, the organization alleged that 200 people were abducted, with 160 kidnapped by armed groups and 40 others allegedly taken by security operatives and held without a trace.
Intersociety’s findings were based on research and data gathered as part of its December 22, 2024, special international report titled “Ocean of Innocent Blood Flowing in Eastern Nigeria.” The report detailed how an extensive network of military and police roadblocks operated across the region, with an estimated 300 military checkpoints and 500 police patrol teams involved in alleged extortion. It further stated that each military checkpoint allegedly extorted an average of N100,000 daily, amounting to N2.4 billion per month and N4.8 billion over the two-month period. An additional N2 billion was estimated to have been obtained through indirect means, bringing the total to N6.8 billion.
The report also provided a breakdown of police extortion by state. It stated that Imo had the highest number of police roadblocks, estimated at 700, with N2.94 billion allegedly extorted in two months. Anambra followed with 600 roadblocks, where N2.52 billion was reportedly collected. Abia, Enugu, and Ebonyi states were also named in the report, with amounts allegedly extorted ranging from N1.26 billion to N2.1 billion within the period.
Additionally, the report detailed the activities of kidnappers, who allegedly collected over N1.2 billion in ransom within two months. “Estimated N600 million was seized at gunpoint from 2024 Christmas and January 2025 New Year holidaymakers or returnees by armed non-state actors operating with assault rifles and criminal digital devices in Anambra, Imo, Enugu, and others,” the report stated.
