The report noted that more than 53,000 civilians have been killed in violence linked to religious and communal conflicts since 2009, while millions have been displaced from their homes.
A new report by the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has painted a grim picture of worsening insecurity and religious violence in Nigeria, warning that fear, killings, abductions and attacks on civilians now define daily life across many parts of the country.
The 2026 Annual Report by the commission described Nigeria as being in a “terrifying crisis,” citing years of unchecked violence, mass killings and government failure to adequately protect citizens from attacks by armed groups, bandits and extremists.
The report noted that more than 53,000 civilians have been killed in violence linked to religious and communal conflicts since 2009, while millions have been displaced from their homes.
According to the commission, “rampant insecurity and violence have created a pervasive atmosphere of fear,” particularly in regions repeatedly targeted by extremist groups and armed bandits.
