By| Goodluck E.Adubazi, Abuja
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has disclosed that Nigeria recorded alarming levels of human rights violations in May 2026, including 390 cases of kidnapping, 202 killings, 182 incidents of child abandonment, 41 killings of armed forces and law enforcement personnel, and dozens of cases of sexual and gender-based violence.
Presenting the May 2026 Human Rights Situation Dashboard at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, OFR, revealed that the Commission received a total of 268,787 complaints during the month under review.
According to the dashboard, kidnapping remained one of the most prevalent security challenges across the country.
The North Central region recorded the highest number of cases with 210 kidnappings, followed by the North West with 56 cases, South South 31, South West 20, while the North East and South East recorded five cases each.
Dr. Ojukwu noted that the Federal Capital Territory accounted for more than 45,000 complaints, while Benue State recorded over 40,000 complaints, making them among the highest reporting locations during the period.
Describing May 2026 as a devastating month for human rights in Nigeria, Ojukwu said the country witnessed incidents that severely tested its commitment to human dignity and fundamental freedoms.
“Within the span of 31 days, we witnessed incidents that deeply challenged our collective commitment to human dignity and fundamental freedoms. Across several states, civilians lost their lives, children were taken from schools, worshippers were attacked in places of prayer, and security personnel paid the ultimate price while protecting others,” he said.
He stressed that the incidents represented not isolated tragedies but a broader humanitarian crisis requiring urgent national attention.
One of the most troubling incidents recorded during the month, according to the NHRC, occurred in Tunfa, Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, where a military airstrike reportedly hit a civilian market allegedly being patronised by terrorists.
Ojukwu disclosed that the Commission had engaged with the Nigerian Air Force and welcomed ongoing efforts by the military to investigate airstrike incidents that may have affected civilians.
“The NHRC continues to advocate for the adoption of the National Policy on the Protection of Civilians in Conflict,” he stated.
The Commission also expressed concern over increasing attacks on military formations and the killing of security personnel across the country.
“Our armed forces and security personnel are frontline defenders of human rights.They must be adequately equipped and strengthened to confront the multi-dimensional security challenges facing Nigeria,” Ojukwu said.
The dashboard further highlighted the abduction of more than 45 schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, many of whom remain in captivity, as well as attacks targeting over 40 children in Borno State.
Concluding his presentation, the NHRC Executive Secretary urged Nigerians not to lose sight of the essence of human rights.
“Human rights are not a luxury or privilege; they are a fundamental entitlement of every person,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Police Service Commission (PSC) commended the NHRC for its commitment to monitoring, documenting and promoting human rights across the country.
Speaking on behalf of the Chairman of the PSC, DIG Hashimu Salihu (Rtd), Dame Victoria Esq. described the Human Rights Situation Dashboard as an important tool for evaluating progress, identifying challenges and promoting evidence-based interventions.
“The dashboard provides critical insights that can strengthen policies and actions aimed at enhancing the protection of human rights in Nigeria,” she said.
The May 2026 Human Rights Situation Dashboard presentation brought together policymakers, human rights experts, civil society organisations and other stakeholders at the NHRC headquarters in Abuja.
