The International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) has released a mid-year report alleging that suspected Islamic terrorist groups killed 3,610 people and abducted 3,960 others across Nigeria between January and June 2026. The human rights organization also claimed that about 300 churches were destroyed, and 800 abducted Christian women and children were forcibly converted to Islam during the period.
Report Details and Victim Demographics
The report, signed by Intersociety Board Chairman Mr. Emeka Umeagbalasi, documented what it described as 22 categories of international crimes committed by terrorist groups, including killings, abductions, destruction of places of worship, and forced religious conversion. According to the organization, the victims included approximately 2,550 Christians and 1,050 Muslims killed, while 2,800 Christians and 1,150 Muslims were abducted.
Attacks on Religious Leaders and Places of Worship
Intersociety further alleged that 10 Christian pastors were killed, another 10 abducted, and 300 churches attacked or destroyed. The report stated that Plateau and southern Borno states recorded the highest number of Christian fatalities, while southern Borno and southern Kaduna had the highest number of Christian abductions.
Geographic Spread of Violence
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 alleged that at least 850 Muslim civilians were killed by jihadist groups, and about 850 others were abducted. Additionally, it claimed that about 200 Muslim civilians died in military airstrikes in Yobe, Borno, and Zamfara states.
Military Airstrike Incident
Intersociety further alleged that dozens of Christians were killed in a military airstrike on the Guradnayi community in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State on May 10, 2026. The organization called on United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, Nazila Ghanea, to resign, accusing her of downplaying religious persecution in Nigeria following her recent visit.
Government Response and Criticism
Intersociety criticized the Federal Government's handling of insecurity, alleging that authorities had failed to adequately address the situation through domestic legal mechanisms or seek international intervention where necessary. As of the time of filing this report, the Federal Government and security agencies had not responded to the allegations.
