Balancing Security and Rights: Defending Nigeria's Frontline Forces
By Leonard Agwu
As Biafra Remembrance Day approaches, it is not surprising to see renewed efforts by certain organizations, such as Amnesty International Nigeria (AIN), to frame the actions of Nigerian security forces in a one-sided and politicized light. While human rights oversight is important in any democracy, it must be rooted in context, balance, and an appreciation for the complexity of national security operations. Since 2015, Nigeria has faced growing security challenges in the southeast, where secessionist movements have increasingly resorted to violent tactics, including attacks on police stations, military checkpoints, government institutions, and civilians. These are not peaceful protests but armed campaigns that undermine national unity and public safety.