NHRC Raises Alarm Over 266,787 Human Rights Complaints, Demands Accountability for Borno Airstrike

Commission Warns Against Shrinking Civic Space, Rising Extrajudicial Killings in Nigeria

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By A1NEWS International / May 18, 2026

ABUJA, Nigeria — The National Human Rights Commission has raised fresh concerns over the worsening human rights situation in Nigeria, revealing that it received no fewer than 266,787 complaints across the country in April 2026 alone, amid rising insecurity, economic hardship, alleged abuses by security agencies, and increasing pressure on civic freedoms.

Speaking during the presentation of the April 2026 Human Rights Situation Dashboard and the signing of an Advisory on Protecting Civic Space and Human Rights in Abuja on Monday, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, described the figures as a reflection of the “everyday realities faced by Nigerians.”

According to him, the complaints captured issues bordering on discrimination, abuse of authority, insecurity, denial of justice, and the economic difficulties confronting citizens nationwide.

NHRC Demands Probe Into Borno Airstrike

The Commission expressed particular concern over a recent military airstrike incident in Borno State which reportedly resulted in civilian casualties.

Ojukwu said the NHRC had already called for a “thorough, transparent and independent investigation” into the incident, stressing that the protection of civilian lives must remain paramount even within difficult security operations.

He emphasized that adherence to international humanitarian principles and human rights standards remains essential to democratic governance and effective counterinsurgency operations.

The statement comes amid mounting public concern over civilian casualties linked to military operations in parts of northern Nigeria affected by insurgency and banditry.

Commission Condemns Extrajudicial Killings

The NHRC also condemned the increasing cases of alleged extrajudicial killings by security operatives and law enforcement agencies across the country.

According to the Commission’s Human Rights Observatory, more than five cases of such killings were documented in April alone.

“Human life is sacred and cannot be taken away by trigger-happy officers of our law enforcement and security agencies,” Ojukwu declared.

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While acknowledging recent disciplinary measures reportedly initiated by the Nigeria Police Force leadership, the Commission called for swift prosecution of offenders and compensation for victims’ families.

NHRC Warns Against Threats to Civic Space

Beyond security concerns, the Commission warned that civic space in Nigeria and across the world is increasingly under pressure due to growing restrictions on freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, media freedom, association, and civic participation.

To address these concerns, the NHRC formally signed an Advisory on Protecting Civic Space and Human Rights developed through consultations with stakeholders.

The advisory, according to Ojukwu, provides practical guidance aimed at safeguarding constitutional freedoms and strengthening democratic participation in line with international human rights standards.

The Commission acknowledged the support and collaboration of the Nigerian Network of Non-Governmental Organizations and the Heinrich Boell Foundation in developing the civic space framework.

Dashboard Introduced as Accountability Tool

The NHRC boss noted that since the introduction of the Human Rights Situation Dashboard in 2024, the initiative has evolved into a critical accountability and monitoring mechanism for identifying emerging trends, risks, and urgent intervention areas in Nigeria’s human rights environment.

He maintained that every complaint received by the Commission represents “an individual seeking dignity, protection and justice.”

The latest dashboard presentation by the NHRC underscores mounting pressure on Nigeria’s democratic institutions amid persistent insecurity, economic challenges, and allegations of human rights violations.

Analysts say the Commission’s renewed call for accountability, protection of civic freedoms, and reform within law enforcement agencies could intensify ongoing national conversations about governance, state accountability, and the rule of law in Africa’s most populous nation.