NHRC Reports 355,000 Human Rights Complaints in July

In July 2026, Nigeria's National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) reported a troubling increase in human rights complaints, totaling 354,997, a 20% rise from the previous month. This marked July as the highest monthly figure recorded in the January-to-July period.

The NHRC's dashboard indicated that the North Central region accounted for 42% of complaints, with Benue state recording the highest at 41,664. Amidst ongoing violence, including 382 killings and 230 kidnappings documented in July, the NHRC entered a two-year partnership with Hope Behind Bars Africa (HBBA) to enhance access to justice and address emerging human rights challenges.

The Memorandum of Understanding, signed by NHRC Executive Secretary Tony Ojukwu and HBBA's Founder, aims to strengthen human rights protection, civic space, and digital rights through various initiatives, including public education and capacity building.