HURIWA APPLAUDS U I SECURITY DEPLOYMENT TO NIGERIA, DECRIES KWARA KILLINGS AS SECURITY FAILURE

The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has commended the United States government for deploying security personnel to Nigeria to support counter-terrorism operations, while strongly condemning what it described as a “colossal failure” of Nigeria’s security and intelligence architecture following the killing of more than 40 residents in Kwara State.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, HURIWA praised the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) for fulfilling its pledge to facilitate the presence of American security forces in Nigeria to work alongside Nigerian troops in combating terrorism.

The group noted that Reuters reported on Tuesday night that a small team of U.S. forces had been deployed to Nigeria following an agreement between both countries to more effectively counter terrorist threats in West Africa.

According to the report, the team brings “unique capabilities from the United States.”Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), has also confirmed the deployment, although details of the mission remain undisclosed.

The Reuters report further indicated that the deployment followed pressure from Washington, with U.S. President Donald Trump previously accusing Nigeria of failing to protect Christians from Islamist militant attacks, particularly in the country’s northwest.

While welcoming the partnership, HURIWA cautioned that Nigeria must address internal sabotage within its security institutions to sustain trust with its American counterparts.

The group warned that intelligence leaks by compromised elements within the armed forces could undermine counter-terrorism operations.“

Nigerian security heads must urgently root out undesirable elements within the armed forces who collude with terrorists and leak sensitive intelligence.

If this sabotage is not curtailed, the U.S. may lose confidence in the partnership, which is largely in Nigeria’s interest,” HURIWA stated.

The civil rights group also condemned the failure of Nigeria’s security and intelligence agencies to prevent deadly attacks carried out on Tuesday evening in Woro and Nuku communities of Kaiama Local Government Area, Kwara State, where over 40 residents were killed.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, HURIWA described the attacks as disturbing and unacceptable, arguing that the repeated assaults on communities without preemptive security action reflect a collapsed intelligence system.“If the security forces and intelligence community were efficient, they should have identified flashpoints and prevented these attacks before they happened.

Terrorists operating in Niger State are known to easily move into neighbouring states when pressured.

The lack of contingency plans and ineffective use of technology shows a systemic failure,” the group said.

HURIWA recalled that soldiers and forest guards were eventually deployed to the affected communities after the attacks, describing the response as belated and disappointing.

It argued that the bloodshed could have been avoided if actionable intelligence had been generated and acted upon promptly.Residents who spoke to journalists on condition of anonymity confirmed that the death toll had risen to over 40, with security forces now stationed in the communities.“

The casualties are over forty. Soldiers and forest guards have taken over the two communities.

It is a very sad development at a time we thought peace had returned after previous bandit attacks,” a local source said.

According to community sources, the attackers reportedly came from neighbouring villages in Niger State and had been preaching against Nigeria’s constitution, urging residents to adopt Islamic law.

Dissent during the gathering allegedly triggered the violent attack, during which the assailants opened fire indiscriminately.

Many families reportedly lost loved ones, while several houses were set ablaze. Preparations for mass burials were ongoing as of Wednesday morning.

HURIWA has called for an urgent restructuring of the leadership of the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) in Kwara State, demanding the appointment of more effective and result-oriented officials.

The group also criticised the Kwara State governor for what it described as a failure to put adequate security measures in place to protect rural communities.

“How can a governor watch his people be killed repeatedly without decisive action? This continuous bloodshed is unacceptable,” HURIWA said.