NHRC Raises the Alarm Over Surge in Human Rights Violations, Records 659,617 Complaints in Q1 2026

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has raised fresh concerns over Nigeria’s worsening human rights and security situation, revealing that it received 659,617 complaints and recorded 992 killings between January and March 2026.

The figures were disclosed in Abuja by the Commission’s Senior Adviser, Hilary Ogbonna, during the presentation of the Q1 2026 Human Rights Situation Dashboard. He noted that the data reflects both a rise in violations and improved public reporting of abuses.

According to Ogbonna, complaints increased steadily across the quarter, with 180,341 cases recorded in January, 223,144 in February, and 256,132 in March. He identified discrimination as the most reported category, followed by cases involving law enforcement misconduct and violations of human dignity.

“For the months of January to March 2026, we recorded 659,617 human rights complaints,” he said, warning that the figures highlight deep-rooted challenges in governance, security, and social protection.

Beyond formal complaints, the NHRC’s Human Rights Observatory documented widespread insecurity-related abuses, including killings, abductions, communal clashes, and sexual and gender-based violence across several states. February was identified as the deadliest month of the quarter, driven largely by insurgent attacks, banditry, and mob violence.

Regionally, the North-central zone recorded the highest number of complaints, followed by the North-west and North-east. The Abuja, as well as Benue, Niger, Plateau, and Kaduna states, ranked among the most affected areas. Ogbonna noted that the high number of cases recorded in the FCT is partly due to the concentration of NHRC reporting centres in the capital.

The Commission also raised concerns over increasing cases of gender-based violence and violations against children. These include sexual assault, child abandonment, trafficking risks, and denial of access to care. Ogbonna described the trend as a serious protection crisis affecting vulnerable populations.

“We have seen an upsurge in gender-based violence and discrimination,” he added.

The report further indicated that a significant proportion of the 992 killings recorded during the period were attributed to bandits, insurgents, and unknown gunmen, while others resulted from communal clashes, cult-related violence, and mob actions. It added that road and boat accidents accounted for 197 deaths, which were not included in the main security figures.

Stakeholders at the event commended the NHRC’s dashboard for enhancing transparency and accountability. A representative of the Police Service Commission described it as a critical tool for monitoring police conduct and strengthening discipline within the Nigeria Police Force.

Similarly, a representative of the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria said the dashboard highlights systemic weaknesses in the justice system, particularly delays in investigations and trials, which continue to hinder access to justice.

The Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Tony Ojukwu, noted that the dashboard has received international recognition, including presentations at the United Nations in Geneva, where it was acknowledged as an innovative model for human rights monitoring.

He added that the Commission is working to sustain the initiative beyond donor support, describing it as a permanent tool for accountability, transparency, and policy guidance.

The NHRC warned that the first quarter figures underscore urgent national challenges requiring coordinated action at all levels of government. It called for stronger institutional accountability, improved security responses, and deeper collaboration with civil society, development partners, and the media to curb rising violations and restore public confidence in governance and justice systems.