The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom has accused Nigerian authorities of failing to properly address rising cases of religious violence and insecurity across the country.
In its 2026 report, the commission described religious freedom conditions in Nigeria as “abysmal” in 2025, alleging that government officials repeatedly failed to effectively investigate attacks or prosecute those responsible.
According to the report, extremist groups including Boko Haram, ISWAP and ISSP continued carrying out violent attacks on communities while attempting to impose strict religious ideologies.
The commission cited multiple incidents across the country, including the burning of a church and killings in January, attacks in Kwara State in April, the killing of 15 Muslims in Sokoto in July and over 60 deaths recorded in Borno State in September.
It also alleged that insurgents seized Kirawa in October, forcing about 5,000 residents to flee into neighbouring Cameroon.
The report further blamed Fulani militants for repeated violence, including a June attack in Yelwata where about 200 displaced persons were reportedly killed at a Catholic mission.
USCIRF also referenced kidnappings, attacks on churches and mosques, as well as killings in Kaduna, Niger, Zamfara and Katsina states.
The commission noted that the insecurity crisis has persisted since 2009 and alleged that thousands of children have been abducted for ransom or sexual exploitation over the years.
It further criticized Nigeria’s blasphemy laws, claiming they have been used to imprison individuals across different religious groups.
According to the report, about 1.3 million people have also been displaced across the Middle Belt region due to ongoing violence and insecurity.