The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has raised fresh concerns over Nigeria’s deteriorating human rights situation, revealing that it recorded 326,113 complaints of alleged violations in June 2026 alone. The figure comes amid rising cases of killings, child sexual abuse, kidnappings, and mass displacement across the country.
Presenting the Commission’s June 2026 Human Rights Situation Dashboard in Abuja on Thursday, the NHRC Executive Secretary, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, said the alarming volume of complaints highlights the urgent need for stronger government action to safeguard the rights and lives of Nigerians.
Ojukwu disclosed that, in addition to complaints received through the Commission’s offices nationwide, the NHRC’s Human Rights Observatory documented widespread violations during the period. He noted that the right to life emerged as the most frequently violated, with armed violence identified as the dominant pattern of abuse.
He also expressed deep concern over the rising cases of sexual violence against children, describing the trend as particularly disturbing.
“The Commission received a total of 326,113 complaints in June 2026. This figure underscores the ongoing and urgent challenge of securing human rights for all Nigerians.
“Our Human Rights Observatory equally recorded numerous incidents of violations. The right to life remained the most frequently violated, while armed violence continued to dominate. We are equally alarmed by the number of cases involving sexual violence against minors. This sustained pattern of violence demands urgent and coordinated intervention,” he said.
Ojukwu further highlighted findings from a recent 12-day fact-finding mission to Nigeria by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, Professor Nazila Ghanea, who visited Abuja, Plateau, and Kano states.
According to him, the UN envoy observed that persistent violence, kidnappings, attacks on communities, and mass displacement are undermining fundamental human rights and exacerbating religious tensions nationwide. He added that insecurity dominated nearly all engagements between the UN delegation and government officials, religious leaders, civil society organisations, and victims.
The NHRC boss welcomed the recent constitutional amendment enabling the decentralisation of Nigeria’s policing system through the creation of state police, describing it as a significant step toward improving security and protecting citizens’ rights.
However, he cautioned that the implementation of state policing must be accompanied by strong safeguards to prevent political interference and potential human rights abuses arising from inadequate training and weak accountability mechanisms.
He pledged the Commission’s support to both federal and state governments through human rights education, monitoring, and accountability frameworks to ensure the new policing structure aligns with international standards.
The Commission also reflected on the first anniversary of the Yelewata massacre in Benue State, where over 100 people were killed in a single night. It lamented that many survivors remain displaced and continue to endure harsh humanitarian conditions.
Ojukwu called for justice for the victims and urged authorities to ensure accountability for perpetrators of attacks across affected communities nationwide.
He further called on security agencies to strengthen civilian protection measures, while urging increased investment in child protection, school safety, and psychosocial support for victims of violence.
The NHRC also commended civil society organisations, humanitarian agencies, development partners, and the media for their continued efforts in documenting abuses, supporting victims, and promoting accountability across the country.