Nigerian Christians Report Rising Persecution from Islamist Groups

Nigerian Christians are claiming that their communities are increasingly encircled by Islamist militants, often referred to as “bandits,” who have motives extending beyond mere acts of violence.

While these Fulani militants are frequently labeled as small criminal factions, survivors of their attacks argue that they have established a sophisticated and extensive system for persecuting Christians.

Criminologist Emeka Umeagbalasi, who leads the International Association of Civil Liberties and Legal Rights (Inter-Society), suggested that there is a strategic plan aimed at the “annihilation” and subsequent “Islamization” of Nigeria’s Christian population. In an interview with the Catholic News Agency (CNA), he stated, “We have documented the organized and systematic killings targeting these individuals, clearly indicating Christian genocide.” He warned that living as a Christian in northern Nigeria is increasingly perilous and predicted that, if this trend continues, the nation will no longer be characterized by religious diversity in the near future.

“People are afraid to openly express their faith. You risk being murdered for so-called ‘blasphemy,'” he added.

Umeagbalasi accused the Nigerian government of complicity in this ongoing campaign to eradicate Christians, asserting that international observers remain indifferent to these atrocities. He described the government as an accomplice in broader policies aimed at Islamizing Nigeria. He mentioned the current president, Bola Tinubu, who, despite being from the Yoruba ethnic group, is also a Muslim and perceived as following in the footsteps of his predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari.

Umeagbalasi criticized Buhari’s administration for failing to control terrorist factions like Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa (ISWAP). He pointed out that these groups have only gained strength during his time in office while Nigerian security forces have largely been ineffective in safeguarding Christian villages.

He revealed that over 850 Christians have been captured near military bases in the Rihana region since December 2024, with reports of more than 100 of these captives being killed between December and August 2025.

In recent reports, Alhaji Alhassan Bawa Niworo, the former chair of the Niger State University Basic Education Board, was among many individuals abducted by terrorists who ambushed his convoy.

Some victims managed to secure their release after paying hefty ransoms, sharing that they were moved from one village camp to another during their captivity.

Meanwhile, some residents from a Christian farming village have fled their homes due to relentless attacks. Many refugees recounted how bandits took over their properties, effectively blocking their return.

Open Doors, a watchdog group monitoring Christian persecution, shared stories of farming families who returned briefly to gather food but were intercepted by Fulani extremists. Reports emerged of women being abducted and subjected to sexual violence.

“We are Christians, and that is why we were targeted. All those taken were Christians; no Muslims were captured,” a survivor shared.

One particularly harrowing account involved a woman who, pregnant after being assaulted by her captors, was ultimately abandoned by them at a church when her condition deteriorated.

Umeagbalasi’s organization, Inter-Society, stated that up to 850 Christians are still trapped in camps established by Fulani militants, combined under what has been dubbed the “Hostage Forest.” Survivors described inhumane conditions, where captives were starved and beaten, sometimes leaving even infants in distress to suffer brutal treatment.

Umeagbalasi further alleged that the Nigerian military has done little to protect victims under Buhari, describing the relationship as one of complicity with militants.

The persecution of Christians is exacerbated by measures claimed to disarm them, leaving these communities vulnerable. Dr. Bitrus Pogu, head of the Middle Belt Forum, which advocates for the rights of millions of Christians, warned that attempts to create self-defense measures are often met with military crackdowns.

“When young people try to protect their villages, they face arrest, torture, and confiscation of their weapons,” he lamented.

Furthermore, Genocide Watch noted multiple testimonies indicating that Nigerian military forces have been neglectful in confronting Muslim extremists, often focusing on disarming Christian militias and vigilantes instead.