Nigeria’s human rights complaints rose by 14 per cent in September, according to the National Human Rights Commission, which called for accountability over the reported deaths of 37 persons in custody, urgent action on mass abductions in Niger State and stronger protection for vulnerable groups.
By A1NEWS International
ABUJA, Nigeria — October 14, 2026.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has recorded 338,810 complaints of alleged human rights violations across its offices nationwide in September 2026, representing a 14 per cent increase from the 297,943 complaints documented in August.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr Tony Ojukwu, OFR, SAN, FICMC, disclosed this on Wednesday, October 14, during the presentation of the Commission’s September 2026 Human Rights Situation Dashboard in Abuja.
According to Ojukwu, the September figure represents an increase of 40,867 complaints compared with the previous month, highlighting the continuing challenges confronting human rights protection and accountability in Nigeria.
He said the increase could reflect growing public awareness of human rights and improved access to the Commission’s services but stressed that it also placed greater responsibility on the NHRC and other relevant institutions to respond effectively to allegations of violations.
Ojukwu emphasised that the significance of the monthly dashboard extended beyond statistical reporting, noting that behind every complaint was an individual, family or community potentially affected by a violation of fundamental rights.
He said the ultimate objective should be to translate documented complaints into effective investigations, appropriate remedies for victims and preventive measures against recurring abuses.
37 Deaths in Custody Raise Grave Human Rights Concerns
The Commission expressed serious concern over reports that 37 persons died in custody following operations against artisanal mining activities in Niger State.
Ojukwu said the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths raised fundamental questions about the right to life, the prohibition of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, and the responsibility of law enforcement institutions to safeguard persons in their custody.
While acknowledging the Federal Government’s decision to initiate an investigation into the incident, the NHRC called for a thorough, independent and transparent process to establish the facts and determine whether any wrongdoing occurred.
The Commission also stressed the need for accountability where violations were established and appropriate remedies for affected families.
Ojukwu maintained that deprivation of liberty must never result in the denial of human dignity, insisting that every person in custody remained entitled to the protection of the law, including the rights to life and dignity.
The Commission’s position places particular emphasis on the obligation of state authorities to protect the fundamental rights of detainees, irrespective of the allegations or circumstances leading to their arrest.
NHRC Urges Action on Mass Abductions in Niger State
The Commission identified insecurity as a major human rights concern during September, citing reports of killings, kidnappings and attacks on communities in different parts of the country.
It expressed particular concern over continuing reports of mass abductions in Niger State, where affected families and communities were reportedly enduring prolonged uncertainty over the fate of their loved ones.
Ojukwu called on relevant security agencies to intensify efforts to protect affected communities, secure the release of abducted persons and ensure that perpetrators were brought to justice.
He reiterated that protecting lives and property remained a fundamental obligation of the state.
The Commission’s assessment underscores the relationship between insecurity and the protection of fundamental rights, particularly the rights to life, personal liberty, dignity and security.
Women and Children Remain Vulnerable to Abuse
The NHRC also highlighted persistent concerns over sexual and gender-based violence, exploitation, abuse and discrimination affecting women and children.
Ojukwu called for stronger preventive mechanisms, effective investigations, survivor-centred responses and improved access to justice for victims.
He welcomed the national stakeholders’ engagement held in September on the review of the Child Rights Act, 2003, describing it as an opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s child protection framework.
According to him, the review should help address gaps in preventing violence, exploitation and abuse against children.
He urged relevant authorities to ensure that reform efforts produced stronger institutions, adequate resources and practical protection for children, particularly those living in vulnerable and underserved communities.
The Commission’s position reinforces the need for coordinated action by government institutions, law enforcement agencies, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to prevent abuse and improve access to remedies for affected persons.
NHRC Strengthens Monitoring of Detention Facilities
Despite the challenges identified in its September assessment, the Commission reported institutional efforts to improve human rights monitoring and accountability.
On September 25, 2026, the NHRC, through its National Preventive Mechanism, validated its 2025–2026 Annual Report.
The exercise brought relevant stakeholders together to review findings and recommendations concerning the prevention of torture and other forms of ill-treatment in places of detention.
Ojukwu said the initiative reinforced the importance of independent monitoring of custodial facilities and addressing systemic conditions that expose detainees to abuse.
The preventive approach is intended to strengthen oversight and identify institutional weaknesses that could contribute to violations before they occur.
The Commission’s concerns over the reported deaths of 37 persons in custody in Niger State further underscore the importance of credible investigations, effective detention monitoring and safeguards against abuse.
Commission Moves to Protect Civic Space Ahead of 2027 Elections
The NHRC also highlighted its efforts to protect democratic freedoms and strengthen the monitoring of violations affecting civic space as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.
Commemorating the International Day of Democracy on September 15, the Commission reiterated the importance of political tolerance, freedom of expression, freedom of association, peaceful assembly and meaningful public participation.
Ojukwu stressed that democracy should not be measured solely by the conduct of periodic elections but also by the extent to which fundamental rights and freedoms were respected.
In a related development, the Commission, in collaboration with the Nigeria Network of NGOs and with support from Heinrich Böll Stiftung Nigeria and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, organised a train-the-trainer workshop for NHRC state coordinators on October 13, 2026.
The workshop focused on operationalising the NHRC Advisory Opinion on Promoting and Protecting Civic Space and Human Rights, issued on May 18, 2026.
It was designed to strengthen state coordinators’ capacity to disseminate and apply the advisory opinion while improving the monitoring, documentation and reporting of civic space-related violations across the country.
According to Ojukwu, the initiative also seeks to integrate civic space monitoring into the Commission’s existing Human Rights Observatory and Dashboard reporting mechanisms.
This would improve the Commission’s ability to identify emerging restrictions on civic freedoms, document incidents involving peaceful assemblies, monitor regulatory practices affecting civil society organisations and support timely institutional interventions.
The Commission said stronger state-level capacity would contribute to protecting civic space, improving engagement between civil society and public institutions, and promoting greater accountability in the exercise of governmental authority.
NHRC Calls for Coordinated Response to Human Rights Violations
The Commission called on government institutions at all levels, security agencies, civil society organisations, development partners and other stakeholders to strengthen collaboration in addressing the underlying causes of human rights violations.
Ojukwu said the NHRC remained committed to improving its monitoring and reporting systems, strengthening investigations and complaints resolution, and ensuring that its findings informed public policies and institutional reforms.
He emphasised that the Commission’s mandate extended beyond documenting violations after they occurred to supporting a system in which abuses were prevented, victims obtained justice and public institutions were held accountable.
He also commended NHRC state coordinators and staff for their work in receiving complaints, documenting incidents, conducting investigations and engaging relevant institutions.
The Executive Secretary acknowledged the contributions of development partners, civil society organisations, media practitioners and other stakeholders supporting the Commission’s work.
Conclusion: Rising Complaints Put Accountability in Focus
The 338,810 complaints recorded by the NHRC in September 2026 highlight the scale of allegations requiring institutional attention and effective responses across Nigeria.
Although the increase may partly reflect improved public awareness and access to reporting channels, the Commission has stressed that the real measure of progress lies in the quality of investigations, the remedies secured for victims and the prevention of recurring violations.
The reported deaths of 37 persons in custody, continuing mass abductions in Niger State and persistent violence against women and children remain among the concerns identified in the Commission’s assessment.
As Nigeria approaches another general election cycle, the NHRC’s emphasis on civic freedoms, independent monitoring and institutional accountability also highlights the importance of protecting human rights in both security operations and democratic participation.
The central challenge, therefore, is to ensure that complaints documented through the monthly dashboard lead to concrete action, justice for victims and stronger safeguards against future violations.
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