NHRC Reports 659,617 Human Rights Violations in Q1 2026

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) raised alarms over a significant increase in human rights violations in Nigeria, recording 659,617 complaints in the first quarter of 2026. This figure includes 992 killings from January to March 2026, as disclosed by senior advisor Hilari Ogbonna during the presentation of the Q1 2026 human rights situation dashboard in Abuja.

The complaints steadily increased each month, with January recording 180,341 cases, February 223,144, and March 256,132. The NHRC identified discrimination as a major category of complaints, particularly involving law enforcement misconduct and violations of human dignity.

The report noted that February was the deadliest month, driven by large insurgent attacks and banditry, particularly in the North Central Zone. The NHRC emphasized the urgent need for coordinated government action to address these challenges and improve security responses, while also highlighting the importance of transparency and accountability within the police force.