The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has reported a total of 268,787 human rights complaints across Nigeria in May 2026, signaling a worrying increase in reported violations compared to the previous month.
According to the Commission’s Human Rights Situation Dashboard for May 2026, the North Central geopolitical zone recorded the highest number of complaints, while the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Benue and Borno states topped the list of states with the highest reported cases.
Presenting the dashboard, Mr. Hillary Ogbonna disclosed that violations relating to Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, Law Enforcement and Human Dignity, as well as Rule of Law and Access to Justice, accounted for the largest share of complaints received during the month under review.
The report also highlighted persistent concerns over sexual and gender-based violence, child rights abuses, killings and kidnappings across the country. Cases of child abuse, child abandonment, sexual abuse and attacks on education featured prominently among the reported violations.
According to the NHRC, no fewer than 390 persons were killed while 202 kidnapping incidents were documented in May. Niger, Plateau, Benue and Borno states recorded the highest number of fatalities, with several communities experiencing violent attacks and abductions, including incidents involving schoolchildren.
The dashboard further revealed violations affecting freedom of religion and the right to education, with attacks on worshippers, schools and students reported in parts of the country.
Despite the challenges, the Commission sustained its intervention efforts nationwide. It completed 3,560 investigations and conducted 107 monitoring visits to detention facilities as part of its mandate to promote and protect human rights.
The NHRC called for stronger security measures, greater accountability and enhanced protection of vulnerable groups, warning that the increasing trend of human rights violations poses a serious threat to national peace, security and development.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to advancing human rights protection and urged government institutions, security agencies, civil society organisations and citizens to work collectively to address the root causes of violations and ensure justice for victims.
