NHRC Records 268,787 Human Rights Complaints in May 2026, North Central Zone Tops List

By Toffa Momoh | Abuja

The National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, has recorded 268,787 human rights complaints across Nigeria in May 2026, marking an increase from the previous month, according to its Human Rights Situation Dashboard.

Mr. Hillary Ogbonna, who presented the dashboard, said the North Central zone reported the highest number of complaints nationwide. The Federal Capital Territory, Benue and Borno States topped the list of states with the highest volume of complaints received during the month.

Mr. Ogbonna stated that violations relating to Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, Law Enforcement and Human Dignity, and Rule of Law and Access to Justice were the most prevalent categories recorded in May. He also expressed concern over persistent cases of sexual and gender-based violence, child rights violations, killings and kidnappings across the country. Child abuse, child abandonment, sexual abuse and attacks on education featured prominently in the monthly report.

Killings, Kidnappings and Attacks on Civilians

The Commission documented 390 killings and 202 kidnappings in May 2026. Niger, Plateau, Benue and Borno States recorded the highest number of fatalities. The dashboard also highlighted major abductions involving schoolchildren and coordinated attacks on communities in several states.

Incidents affecting freedom of religion and the right to education were equally highlighted. The report noted attacks on worshippers, schools and students in parts of the country, underscoring growing threats to safe learning and worship spaces.

NHRC Response and Recommendations

To address the violations, the NHRC said it completed 3,560 investigations and conducted 107 monitoring visits to detention facilities across the country. The Commission also sustained its human rights monitoring and protection activities nationwide throughout the month.

The NHRC called for stronger security measures, greater accountability from law enforcement and other state actors, and enhanced protection for vulnerable groups. The Commission stressed that urgent action was needed to curb the rising trend of human rights violations across Nigeria and to ensure justice and redress for victims.