NHRC Records 267,787 Human Rights Complaints In April 2026, Cites Rising Insecurity, Abuse Of Power

NHRC Records 267,787 Human Rights Complaints in April 2026, Cites Rising Insecurity, Abuse of Power The National Human Rights Commission NHRC has reported a sharp surge in human rights violations across Nigeria, recording 267,787 complaints in April 2026, a figure it attributes to worsening insecurity, abuse of authority, and shrinking civic space. The Commission disclosed this in its April 2026 Human Rights Situation Dashboard, warning that the scale of reported violations reflects deepening national challenges affecting citizens’ safety, dignity, and freedoms. According to the NHRC, the complaints cut across its 38 state offices nationwide, with major concerns including killings, abductions, unlawful detentions, police brutality, gender-based violence, discrimination, and restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly. The Commission noted that insecurity particularly violent crime, banditry, and kidnapping remains a major driver of rights violations, especially in conflict affected regions. It also highlighted abuse of power by security agents and public officials, including arbitrary arrests and excessive use of force. The report further raised alarm over declining civic space, pointing to increasing cases of intimidation of activists, journalists, and protesters, as well as limitations on peaceful expression and association. NHRC officials described the situation as “deeply concerning,” urging federal and state authorities to strengthen accountability mechanisms, enforce human rights laws, and protect vulnerable populations. The Commission also called for urgent reforms in security operations and governance structures to address the root causes of violence and rights abuses across the country. While acknowledging ongoing interventions, the NHRC stressed that the rising number of complaints signals the need for stronger institutional response and coordinated national action to safeguard fundamental right.