Amnesty International has called on Nigerian authorities to immediately investigate a viral video showing teenagers and children taking part in a marching drill where participants allegedly chanted violent slogans against Christians.
The human rights organisation made the call on Monday in a post shared on X, describing the video as deeply disturbing and urging security agencies to identify those behind the exercise.
According to Amnesty International, the march was led by adult coordinators wearing uniforms associated with Jama’atu Izalatu Bidi’a wa’iqamatus-Sunnah (JIBWIS).
The organisation said the children were heard chanting: “AK-47 to attack Christians on a Sunday in Enugu and Jos….”
Amnesty described the slogan as “a vicious display of children being manipulated and indoctrinated with religious violence and hatred.”
The rights group urged the authorities to investigate the organisers of the drill and determine the source, location and full content of the viral video.
It also called for a review of the curriculum used during such youth activities, insisting that “the organization behind these activities most be held to account.”
Amnesty further urged the government to protect the minors involved from radicalisation by providing them with appropriate psychological and educational support.
The organisation added that anyone or any religious group found to have used children to promote intolerance or encourage violations of religious freedom should be held accountable.
It stressed that protecting children from hate speech, violent indoctrination and militarised activities is a legal responsibility of the Nigerian government under the Child Rights Act and international human rights agreements, including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
According to Amnesty, exposing children to violence, hate speech or paramilitary-style training threatens their safety and weakens the country’s commitment to religious freedom and peaceful coexistence.
The organisation’s call comes amid growing concerns over the spread of hate speech and the possible use of children in activities capable of fueling religious tension in parts of the country.
