Nigeria
In early 2026, Nigeria’s human rights landscape is marked by a complex struggle between a resilient civil society and a state grappling with profound security and economic crises. While the administration of President Bola Tinubu has made some anti-corruption gains, international observers remain deeply concerned by the "shrinking" of civic space and the persistent failure to protect citizens from systemic violence.
1. Security and the Right to Life
The most pervasive human rights issue remains the government’s inability to protect civilians from non-state armed groups.
The Kidnapping Crisis: Between late 2024 and June 2025, over 2,900 people were kidnapped in the Northwest alone. Mass school abductions, which once seemed to be declining, surged again in late 2025 across Kebbi and Niger states.
Rising Civilian Casualties: In the first eight months of 2025, approximately 4,000 civilians were killed—matching the total for the entire year of 2023. This spike is attributed to increased raids by "bandits" in the Northwest and Boko Haram/ISWAP factions in the Northeast.
Security Force Abuses: Military counter-operations have frequently resulted in "collateral damage." In late 2025, a drone strike in Sokoto targeting insurgents was reported to have killed several civilians, leading to renewed calls for military accountability.
2. Freedom of Expression and Digital Rights
As Nigeria prepares for the next general election cycle, the digital space has become a primary battleground for civil liberties.
The #EndBadGovernance Crackdown: In late 2024, hundreds of protesters were arrested, and at least 20 were killed during demonstrations against the high cost of living. Several activists, including Isaac Bristol, were detained for weeks without charge for social media posts.
Digital Surveillance: Ahead of 2026, human rights groups have highlighted the "securitization" of the internet. The Cybercrimes Act is frequently used to charge journalists and TikTok users with "cyberstalking" for content that portrays government officials negatively.
Release of Mubarak Bala: In a rare positive development, humanist activist Mubarak Bala was released in August 2024 after serving two years of a 24-year sentence for "blasphemy," though blasphemy laws remain a threat in Northern states.
3. LGBTQ+ Rights and the SSMPA
Nigeria remains one of the most restrictive environments for LGBTQ+ individuals in the world.
The SSMPA: The Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act 2013 continues to be enforced, criminalizing not just unions but also "gay clubs" and LGBT advocacy with up to 14 years in prison.
Sharia Law: In the 12 northern states, consensual same-sex acts are punishable by death by stoning. While executions are rare, the threat is used to justify arbitrary arrests and community-led violence.
Failed Challenges: In late 2025, a major legal challenge to the SSMPA was dismissed by the Federal High Court on procedural grounds, effectively stalling the path toward decriminalization for the foreseeable future.
4. Women’s and Children's Rights
Child Marriage: Nigeria has the third-highest number of child brides globally. As of early 2026, prevalence remains at approximately 44%, with rates exceeding 70% in states like Bauchi and Kano.
Gender-Based Violence (GBV): Reports from the UN in January 2026 indicate that GBV is "growing astronomically," particularly in conflict zones where women and girls are used as "weapons of war" through forced marriage and sexual slavery by insurgent groups.
5. Religious Freedom and Global Stature
In February 2026, Nigeria’s record on religious freedom became a major point of international friction.
CPC Designation: The United States redesignated Nigeria as a "Country of Particular Concern" (CPC) in early 2026. This move followed the introduction of the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act in the U.S. Congress, which seeks to hold the Nigerian government accountable for failing to stop mass murders of Christians and non-radical Muslims by ethnic militias.