February 4, 2026 l By Dalena Reporters
ABUJA, Nigeria — A group of Igbo youths has raised serious concerns over what they describe as the arbitrary arrest and detention of several young men from the South-East, alleging that security agencies targeted them on unsubstantiated terrorism charges while critics argue similar allegations against armed groups in northern Nigeria receive far lighter scrutiny.
The youths, speaking through representatives of the Igbo Youth Congress and allied civil society organisations during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, said that a number of their members were detained in recent weeks by the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies under terrorism-related allegations. They claim that many of those arrested have not been formally charged in court and have been held for extended periods without access to counsel or clear legal process.
“We are deeply disturbed that our young brothers are being arrested and labelled as terrorists without transparent investigations, clear evidence, or due process,” said a spokesperson for the group. “These actions undermine constitutional rights and risk stigmatizing entire communities instead of isolating individuals involved in criminal acts.”
The protesters drew comparisons with the handling of insurgent activities in parts of northern Nigeria, where armed groups identified with extremist violence have for years carried out attacks, kidnappings, and other criminal acts. “We ask why the same labels and reactions that apply to genuine threats in the north are not equally confronted with prosecutions and convictions,” a youth leader said. “No community should be above the law, nor should any group be targeted because of identity or association.”
Representatives pointed to high-profile cases involving armed banditry, terrorism, and violence in northern states situations that have drawn military operations, negotiated surrenders, and amnesty discussions contrasting them with what they argue are preemptive and opaque arrests of Igbo youths with limited public evidence of wrongdoing.
The youth leaders also called on the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, and other relevant bodies to investigate the circumstances of the arrests, ensure prompt presentation of suspects before competent courts, and uphold the rule of law. “We cannot allow national security concerns to be used as a pretext for undermining fundamental rights,” one advocate said.
In response to queries, a spokesperson for the DSS noted that national security operations often involve sensitive information and that the service takes its legal obligations seriously, adding that due process would follow where appropriate. However, the official declined to comment on the specifics of individual cases, citing operational security.
Legal experts who reviewed the situation noted that arbitrary arrest — detaining individuals without clear evidence or prompt judicial oversight can violate constitutional protections and international human rights norms, particularly where terrorism allegations carry heavy social stigma and severe penalties.
Analysts say the controversy highlights mounting tensions over national security policy, regional perceptions of justice, and the balance between safeguarding citizens and protecting civil liberties. For many observers, transparent investigations, accountability mechanisms, and adherence to established legal frameworks are essential to maintain public confidence in Nigeria’s counter-terrorism measures.
As the debate continues, youth groups and civil society networks have vowed to sustain pressure on government authorities to ensure due process, evidence-based investigations, and equal application of the law regardless of region or identity.