NHRC Raises Alarm as Human Rights Complaints Hit 326,113 in June, Child Abuse and Killings Surge

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has raised fresh concerns over the worsening human rights situation in Nigeria, revealing that it received a staggering 326,113 complaints in June 2026, with killings and sexual violence against children emerging among the most disturbing trends recorded during the month.

Presenting the Commission’s June 2026 Human Rights Situation Dashboard, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, described the volume of complaints as a clear indication of the growing challenges confronting the protection of fundamental rights across the country.

According to Ojukwu, the figure reflects the urgent need for stronger institutional responses and coordinated efforts to safeguard the rights and dignity of Nigerians.

“For the month of June 2026, the Commission received a total of 326,113 complaints, a figure that underscores the ongoing and urgent challenge of securing human rights for all Nigerians,” he said.

The Commission disclosed that the right to life remained the most violated fundamental human right during the period under review, noting that armed violence accounted for a significant share of reported abuses nationwide.

It further expressed grave concern over rising cases of sexual violence against children, revealed through reports gathered by its Human Rights Observatory. The NHRC described the trend as one of the most serious threats facing the country and called for immediate intervention to stem the growing crisis.

“The pattern of sustained, unresolved violence demands urgent, coordinated intervention,” Ojukwu warned.

The report comes amid persistent security challenges across Nigeria, including insurgency in the North-East, banditry and kidnapping activities in the North-West and North-Central regions, communal and farmer-herder clashes, separatist violence in the South-East, and recurring attacks on vulnerable rural communities.

Advertisement

The NHRC also referenced findings from the recent fact-finding mission of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, Professor Nazila Ghanea. The mission concluded that widespread insecurity, kidnappings, forced displacement and attacks on communities continue to undermine fundamental freedoms while deepening religious tensions in parts of the country.

Ojukwu urged policymakers to exercise caution in implementing plans for state policing, stressing that inadequate safeguards could expose citizens to fresh human rights violations. He warned that political interference, poor training standards and weak accountability mechanisms could undermine the intended benefits of the initiative.

The Commission equally renewed its demand for justice for victims of the Yelewata massacre in Benue State, lamenting that one year after more than 100 people were reportedly killed, many survivors remain displaced and continue to face severe humanitarian challenges.

To address the growing concerns, the NHRC called on security agencies and relevant authorities to strengthen civilian protection measures, ensure the prosecution of perpetrators of human rights abuses, expand child protection programmes, improve security in schools and provide psychosocial support for victims of violence.

Reacting to the report, the Police Service Commission (PSC) described the Human Rights Situation Dashboard as a valuable instrument for promoting transparency, accountability and evidence-based policing reforms. The Commission also reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the NHRC to enhance the protection of fundamental rights and improve public confidence in law enforcement institutions.

The latest report highlights the mounting pressure on government institutions and security agencies to address the country's escalating human rights challenges and protect vulnerable populations from violence, abuse and displacement.