Amnesty International yesterday described as a diversionary tactic, condemnations of its report that documents human rights violations in the country by the Police and the military.

In a statement, the body said the attack by senior Nigerian officials is a diversionary tactic - shooting the messenger when the security forces should really be concentrating on putting their house in order.

According to the statement, "anyone who reads the report, Nigeria: Trapped in the Cycle of Violence, will see that Amnesty International condemns the unlawful actions of Boko Haram in just as strong terms as it does those of the government forces.

The report fully reflects Amnesty International's fundamental commitment to objectivity and impartiality in research, analysis and advocacy of human rights issues.

Researchers for Amnesty International interviewed victims of violence perpetrated by both Boko Haram and the security forces in compiling the report.

They spoke to judges, magistrates, doctors, teachers, health and education professionals, journalists, lawyers and representatives of non-governmental human rights organizations.

The final report presents research gathered during numerous visits to Nigeria over two years between 2010 and 2012.