The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has described May 2026 as a 'devastating month' for human rights in Nigeria, following a surge in killings, abductions, attacks on schools and worship centres, and alleged violations involving state actors.
Executive Secretary's Remarks
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, SAN, disclosed this on Tuesday during the presentation of the Commission's May 2026 Human Rights Situation Dashboard in Abuja. According to him, the NHRC received a total of 268,787 complaints during the month under review, with violations involving state actors remaining the most significant concern.
Ojukwu said the period was marked by incidents that 'deeply challenged our collective commitment to human dignity and fundamental freedoms,' including the loss of civilian lives, abduction of children, attacks on worshippers and casualties among security personnel.
Military Airstrike Incident
He cited the reported military airstrike in Tumfa, Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, where a civilian market was allegedly hit during an operation targeting terrorists. The NHRC boss said the Commission was engaging with the Nigerian Air Force on the incident and called for the adoption of the National Policy for the Protection of Civilians in Conflict. He also urged a coordinated government approach to civilian harm mitigation, noting that the Air Force already has a Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response Action Plan.
Attacks on Security Personnel
Ojukwu raised concerns over persistent attacks on security formations and the killing of military and law enforcement personnel, stressing that security agencies require adequate support to confront Nigeria's complex security challenges. 'Only when our military is equipped and fortified, delivering the mandate of Section 14(2) of the Constitution, can we safely assert the security of lives and property,' he said.
Attacks on Education
The NHRC Executive Secretary further highlighted attacks on education, revealing that armed attackers invaded schools in Oyo State and abducted over 45 pupils and teachers, who remain in captivity. He added that more than 40 schoolchildren were targeted in another attack in Borno State, describing the repeated assault on schools as a serious threat to children's rights and national security.
Attacks on Worship Centres
In Kwara State, he said attackers stormed a place of worship, killing some worshippers and abducting 15 others, warning that attacks on religious centres threaten freedom of religion guaranteed under national and international human rights laws. 'These incidents are not isolated tragedies but part of a broader humanitarian concern requiring urgent national attention,' Ojukwu stated.
Call for Action
He called on security agencies to strengthen civilian protection measures, review operational procedures where necessary, and ensure accountability for violations. The NHRC also urged increased investment in school safety, protection of vulnerable communities and psychological support for victims and affected families.
The Commission commended security agencies for recent successes in neutralising terrorists and rescuing abducted persons, while also appreciating civil society groups, humanitarian organisations and the media for supporting human rights accountability. Ojukwu reaffirmed that human rights remain a fundamental entitlement and not a privilege, stressing the need for every Nigerian to live with dignity, freedom and equality.
