The International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) has alleged that suspected Islamist terrorist groups killed 3,610 people and abducted 3,960 others across Nigeria between January and June 2026.
The human rights organisation also claimed that about 300 churches were destroyed during the six-month period and that approximately 800 abducted Christian women and children were forcibly converted to Islam.
The allegations are contained in the group’s mid-year report, signed by its Board Chairman, Mr. Emeka Umeagbalasi.
According to the report, Intersociety documented what it described as 22 categories of international crimes allegedly committed by terrorist groups, including killings, abductions, the destruction of places of worship and forced religious conversions.
The organisation claimed that about 2,550 Christians and 1,050 Muslims were killed during the period, while 2,800 Christians and 1,150 Muslims were abducted.
It further alleged that 10 Christian pastors were killed, another 10 were abducted, and about 300 churches were attacked or destroyed.
According to the report, Plateau and southern Borno states recorded the highest number of Christian fatalities, while southern Borno and southern Kaduna accounted for the highest number of Christian abductions.
Intersociety said attacks were also reported in Benue, Taraba, Niger, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Adamawa, Bauchi, Oyo, Ondo, Delta, Edo, Imo, Enugu and Abia states, among others.
The report also alleged that at least 850 Muslim civilians were killed by jihadist groups during the period, while another 850 were abducted. It further claimed that about 200 Muslim civilians were killed in military airstrikes carried out in Yobe, Borno and Zamfara states.
The organisation also alleged that dozens of Christians were killed in a military airstrike on Guradnayi community in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State on May 10, 2026.
Intersociety called on Nazila Ghanea, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, to resign, accusing her of downplaying religious persecution in Nigeria following her recent visit to the country.
The group also criticised the Federal Government’s response to insecurity, alleging that authorities had failed to effectively tackle the crisis through domestic legal mechanisms or seek appropriate international intervention.
As of the time of filing this report, the Federal Government and security agencies had not publicly responded to the allegations contained in the report.
