NHRC Raises Alarm as Human Rights Complaints Hit 659,000 in Q1 2026

Commission cites rising discrimination, insecurity, and law enforcement abuses as key drivers

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By A1News International | Abuja, Nigeria | April 10, 2026

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has reported a sharp rise in human rights complaints across Nigeria, with over 659,000 cases recorded in the first quarter of 2026. The Commission described the trend as “concerning,” pointing to persistent violations, insecurity, and institutional challenges.

Presenting the Q1 2026 Human Rights Situation Dashboard in Abuja on Friday, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, said the data reflects a complex and evolving human rights landscape in the country.

According to him, the Commission recorded 180,341 complaints in January, which rose significantly to 223,144 in February and further increased to 256,132 in March.

He noted that violations relating to freedom from discrimination consistently ranked as the most prevalent, underscoring deep-rooted structural inequalities in both public and private sectors.

In February, however, issues related to law enforcement conduct and the protection of human dignity topped the list, raising fresh concerns about accountability and professionalism within security agencies.

RISING INSECURITY, REGIONAL THREATS
The NHRC highlighted worsening insecurity across several regions as a major contributor to human rights violations.

In the North-East, insurgency-related activities continue to displace communities and disrupt livelihoods. The North-West remains plagued by banditry and kidnappings, posing threats to life and security, while the North-Central region is experiencing persistent communal and resource-based conflicts.

The Commission specifically referenced recent violent incidents, including attacks in Jos and parts of Nasarawa State, as indicators of unresolved tensions leading to loss of lives and displacement.

GROWING SOCIO-ECONOMIC PRESSURES
Beyond security challenges, the Commission pointed to increasing socio-economic vulnerabilities affecting citizens’ access to food, housing, and livelihoods.

It also raised concerns over recurring cases of gender-based violence, mob actions, and alleged abuses by law enforcement personnel.

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Ojukwu stated that the upward trend in complaints reflects not only ongoing violations but also improved reporting mechanisms introduced by the Commission.

CALL FOR ACCOUNTABILITY AND REFORMS
The NHRC urged stronger institutional accountability, emphasizing the need for reforms across governance structures.

The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to improving access to justice for victims, strengthening accountability systems, promoting awareness, and enhancing collaboration with stakeholders, including government agencies and civil society.

It also stressed the importance of its Human Rights Observatory, which captures unreported and underreported violations, ensuring broader documentation beyond formal complaints.

GLOBAL RECOGNITION, LOCAL RESPONSIBILITY
Ojukwu disclosed that Nigeria’s Human Rights Dashboard has gained international recognition, including engagement at the United Nations in Geneva, with other West African countries considering adopting similar models.

Despite initial support from development partners, he said the Commission remains committed to sustaining the initiative as an independent accountability mechanism.

KAMPALA CONVENTION SIGNING HAILED
The NHRC commended President Bola Tinubu for signing the Kampala Convention into law, describing it as a major step toward addressing the challenges of internally displaced persons in Nigeria.

The Commission said it looks forward to working with relevant stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the law.

The NHRC described the Q1 report as a “call to action,” urging authorities and citizens alike to prioritize the protection of human rights and dignity.