The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) announced on Tuesday that it recorded 268,787 human rights complaints in May, marking an increase of 2,000 compared to the previous month. This figure makes May a devastating period for human rights in Nigeria.
Major Complaints and Violations
As in prior months, the majority of complaints received by the NHRC primarily involved discrimination and violations perpetrated by law enforcement agencies. Additionally, the NHRC’s observatory documented numerous abductions that infringed upon the rights to education, movement, life, and freedom of religion.
Tony Ojukwu, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), stated that the May dashboard presentation underscores Nigeria’s ongoing struggle to secure human rights for its citizens. He noted, “Notably, violations involving state actors remain the most significant concern. May 2026 has been a devastating month for human rights in Nigeria. Within the span of 31 days, we witnessed incidents that deeply challenged our collective commitment to human dignity and fundamental freedoms.”
Attacks on Schools and Communities
On 15 May, PREMIUM TIMES reported that armed hoodlums on motorcycles attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School in Yawota, near Alawusa, as well as Community Grammar School and L.E.A Primary School in Ahoro-Esieele, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. Similarly, suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents attacked schools and homes in a rural community, initially leaving over 40 children unaccounted for. Many of the children are toddlers or lower primary pupils.
Other Incidents in May
Hilary Ogbonna, the NHRC’s senior human rights adviser, expressed concern over other incidents recorded in May. These included the abductions of 15 persons in Katsina, including women and infants, at Bakori; 13 males in Danko/Wasagu, Kebbi; and 12 passengers in Ondo State.
Mr Ogbonna also noted that freedom of religion was threatened in three states during the month. Worshippers were attacked during a vigil in Kwara State, north-central Nigeria, resulting in three deaths and 15 abductions. In another community, attackers hacked an Islamic cleric to death. In Kaduna State, north-west Nigeria, bandits attacked a mosque in Giwa. In Abuja, the capital, gunmen kidnapped 13 individuals traveling to a religious event.
Kidnappings and Killings
Of the 268,787 complaints received in May, 202 involved kidnappings and 390 involved extra-judicial killings, including 92 deaths in road accidents. Mr Ojukwu stated, “These incidents reflect not isolated tragedies but a broader humanitarian concern that requires urgent national attention. One of the most disturbing incidents occurred in Tumfa, Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, where a military airstrike reportedly struck a civilian market patronised by terrorists.”
The NHRC consulted with the Nigerian Air Force and the Armed Forces regarding investigations into airstrikes that may have affected civilians. Following recent airstrikes targeting terrorists that killed civilians, the NHRC demanded an explanation from the Nigerian Air Force and warned that such incidents raise serious human rights and humanitarian concerns.
Geopolitical Distribution of Complaints
The North-central region recorded the highest number of complaints with 120,659, followed by the North-west with 47,719, the North-east with 50,201, the South-east with 31,210, the South-south with 9,558, and the South-west with 9,440. The ranking of complaints across all zones remained identical to the previous month.
The commission listed the top ten states with the highest number of violations: the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Benue, Borno, Kaduna, Niger, Plateau, Imo, Sokoto, Bauchi, and Kogi. Cumulatively, complaints from these states accounted for 74 percent of all complaints received in May.
Gender-Based and Child Rights Violations
In May, 2,123 women reported domestic violence, 75 reported sexual violence, and 18 reported rape. The NHRC recorded child abandonment as the top child rights violation, followed by children caught in custody battles and sexual abuse.
Resolution and Actions
The commission reported resolving 3,560 cases, a 115.63 percent increase from April’s 1,651 resolved complaints. It also conducted visits to 107 custodial centers, police stations, and places of detention. Additionally, the NHRC summoned the police 32 times and visited the military twice.
