The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Wednesday expressed concern over rising cases of human rights violations in the country, revealing that it received 338,810 complaints in September 2026.
The Commission said most of the complaints came from the North-Central geopolitical zone, particularly Benue, Plateau and Niger states.
The Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, SAN, said the Commission’s human rights dashboard recorded an increase of 40,867 complaints, approximately 14 per cent, from the 297,943 recorded in August.
He said the increase could reflect greater public awareness of human rights and improved access to the Commission’s services, but also highlighted the need for effective responses to allegations of violations.
Ojukwu said attention should focus not only on the number of complaints received but also on the quality of investigations, remedies provided to victims and preventive measures to address recurring violations.
He noted that Nigeria’s human rights situation in September 2026 remained challenging, particularly regarding the right to life, personal liberty, human dignity, personal security and the protection of vulnerable groups.
He said insecurity remained a major concern, with reports of killings, kidnappings and attacks on communities across different parts of the country.
Ojukwu expressed particular concern over continued reports of mass abductions in Niger State, where families and communities were distressed over the prolonged captivity of their loved ones.
He reiterated that protecting lives and property was a fundamental responsibility of the state and called on security agencies to intensify efforts to secure affected communities, rescue abducted persons and bring perpetrators to justice.
The NHRC executive secretary also raised concerns over the vulnerability of women and children to sexual and gender-based violence, exploitation, abuse and discrimination.
He called for stronger preventive measures, survivor-centred responses, effective investigations and improved access to justice.
Ojukwu 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 and address gaps in preventing violence, exploitation and abuse against children.
He urged relevant authorities to ensure that the reform efforts resulted in stronger institutions, adequate resources and practical protection for children, particularly those in vulnerable and underserved communities.
Ojukwu said the Commission remained committed to improving its monitoring and reporting mechanisms, strengthening investigations and complaints resolution, and ensuring that its findings informed policies and institutional reforms.
He said the Commission aimed to prevent human rights violations, ensure justice for victims and hold public institutions accountable, while calling for increased funding for its operations.
