No Evidence of State-Sponsored Christian Persecution in Nigeria — UN Expert

• UN Special Rapporteur Nazila Ghanea says victims ‘understandably’ describe violence as persecution due to government’s failure to provide protection and justice

Nazila Ghanea, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, has concluded that there is no evidence of direct government-sponsored religious persecution in Nigeria following a 12-day fact-finding mission across the country. Speaking at the National Human Rights Commission in Abuja, Ghanea stated unequivocally that she did not observe “a direct government instruction… with an intentionality of destroying one religious community or another.” However, she warned that inadequate government response to security concerns, combined with a pervasive culture of impunity, is causing victims to view their experiences as persecution or genocide. During her visit from June 8 to 19, 2026, Ghanea and her team interviewed more than 200 stakeholders, including government officials, religious leaders, civil society groups, lawyers, academics, and victims of violence in Abuja, Kano, and Jos, and she found that virtually every discussion was dominated by concerns over security rather than formal religious discrimination.

The central theme of Ghanea’s preliminary findings was the devastating impact of impunity and lack of accountability, which she said has entrenched cycles of fear and violence and encouraged its spread, as many affected communities complained of inadequate protection by security agencies and the absence of justice after attacks, leading to declining public confidence in government institutions. “When, as a result of these crises, time and again, justice is not seen to be done, understandably, the victim starts to describe this as persecution, or genocide,” Ghanea explained, adding that when everything in one’s world has been reduced to dust, when religious leaders have been killed and places of worship destroyed, and when one has seen no action or inadequate prevention and justice from the authorities, then why would one think otherwise. The UN expert described a grim reality across Nigeria’s North-west and North-central regions, where communities are trapped in endless cycles of violence, detailing horrifying experiences reported to her team including mass arson attacks, mass displacement, kidnappings, destruction of places of worship and schools, and the total decimation of livelihoods, with some communities having been displaced multiple times over the past decade, forced to begin life afresh after each attack only to witness fresh killings and destruction.

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Ghanea noted that issues relating to religious freedom and tolerance were “overshadowed by the security concerns,” and “almost every interlocutor responded by talking about religious crisis and insecurity — and they frontloaded that.” While acknowledging that Christians have been singled out by jihadist groups, Ghanea stressed that Muslims are also constantly targeted and that conflicts often fall across religious lines while being driven by complex factors including land disputes, economic competition, climate pressures, and criminality, warning against simplistic characterisations of Nigeria as a “Muslim North” and “Christian South,” describing such narratives as reductive and polarising of the country’s rich pluralism. She also raised concerns about the growing reliance on vigilante groups and community self-help security arrangements, warning that the proliferation of armed groups could worsen insecurity rather than reduce it.

The UN Special Rapporteur acknowledged that Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees fundamental rights including freedom of thought, conscience and religion; freedom of expression; non-discrimination; and the rights to life and dignity, however, she drew attention to tensions arising at the state level within plural legal systems governing personal status matters, blasphemy, hate speech, and criminal punishments — laws introduced in northern states in the early 2000s. Ghanea also expressed concern over the continued requirement for citizens to disclose their religious affiliation in several official processes, including job applications, pension documentation, school admissions, and recruitment into the police and military, warning that such practices reinforce religious identity as a dominant organising principle of society and may encourage discrimination, though she welcomed reports that religion has been removed from applications for Nigerian passports and National Identification Numbers, describing the move as a positive development.

Ghanea’s visit came against the backdrop of politically charged accusations over Christian “persecution” that strained diplomatic ties last year, as the United States, under President Donald Trump, elevated such claims to the highest levels of government, with Trump at one point condemning what he called a Christian “genocide” in the country, though Washington and Abuja have since found common ground, launching a joint military campaign against jihadists. When asked about Trump’s genocide claims, Ghanea said she had spoken to “senior legal experts” who said: “‘I cannot say that genocide is not happening anywhere in Nigeria,'” however, she stressed that her own findings did not reveal a government policy of destruction against any religious community.

Despite the daunting challenges, Ghanea expressed measured optimism about Nigeria’s capacity to chart a better course, stating that there is no doubt that Nigeria has the expertise and experts as well as inspirational, committed youth to secure freedom of thought, conscience and religion for all on an equal basis, while also acknowledging that there is a long way to go until that is fully realised. She commended the resilience of victims, the vibrancy of Nigeria’s civil society, and the efforts of interfaith organisations and community peacebuilding initiatives working to promote peace and tolerance across the country. The Special Rapporteur is expected to present a comprehensive report with full findings and recommendations to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva in March 2027, which will assess Nigeria’s compliance with international human rights standards and propose measures to guarantee religious freedom for all citizens on an equal basis.

No Evidence of State-Sponsored Christian Persecution in Nigeria — UN Expert

“We’re Ready for Talks or War” — Bello Turji Dares FG After Deadly Sokoto Ambush

• Wanted bandit kingpin releases video claiming responsibility for killing soldiers, parades armed fighters in military uniforms as intelligence warns of Boko Haram collaboration

Bello Turji, one of Nigeria’s most wanted bandit leaders, has issued a defiant ultimatum to the federal government, declaring that his group is prepared for either peace negotiations or all-out war, depending on which path the authorities choose to pursue. The declaration came in a video recorded in Hausa and dated June 20, 2026, which has been circulating widely on social media, heightening tensions across Nigeria’s troubled North-west region. In the footage, the masked speaker—believed to be Turji—appeared flanked by heavily armed men dressed in military-style camouflage, with belts of ammunition and multiple firearms displayed prominently around them. He claimed responsibility for recent deadly attacks on security operatives in parts of Sokoto and Zamfara states, framing the assaults as retaliation against individuals he accused of killing community members and confiscating livestock.

The video surfaced just days after a devastating ambush along the Isa–Bargaja axis in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State. According to security sources and eyewitnesses, suspected terrorists loyal to Turji laid an ambush on security personnel responding to a distress call from the Bargaja community, with residents reporting that bandits invaded the village between 12:30 a.m. and 3:00 a.m., shooting sporadically and forcing locals to seek military intervention. Local sources reported that an Improvised Explosive Device detonated during the operation, killing at least four soldiers, although military authorities have yet to officially confirm the casualty figure, and a resident who spoke anonymously said that the security personnel were on their way to rescue the community when the vehicle hit the explosive, affecting many soldiers. Following the explosion, gunmen engaged security forces, and a security vehicle was reportedly set ablaze during the attack.

In the video, Turji explained that his group launched the attacks to fight back against people he accused of killing members of their communities and stealing their animals, stating that some people who are chasing away their livestock are killing innocent brothers and sisters who have done nothing wrong in places such as Shinkafi in Zamfara State, Sabon Birni in Sokoto State and other surrounding areas. He added that Allah granted them victory over these people who are carrying out these operations and driving away their livestock, and that they killed them, praying that Allah would help them succeed in defeating their enemies and in recovering their animals from their hands. Security analysts suggest the recording is designed to frame the group’s activities as retaliation against alleged attacks on pastoral communities—a narrative experts say has frequently been used by armed groups to justify violence and attract sympathy within affected communities.

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The bandit kingpin used the video to directly address the federal government’s strategy, making it clear that his group would match whatever approach the authorities decide to take, stating that if the government is ready for negotiation, they are also ready for negotiation, but if they want to continue with force, they are prepared and their fighters are ready for whatever comes. He further emphasised his group’s resolve, stating that they are ready for peace, but if the government chooses war, they are also ready and will defend themselves. Turji, who is believed to operate from forest enclaves spanning parts of Zamfara and neighbouring states, remains one of Nigeria’s most wanted bandit leaders and has been repeatedly linked by security agencies to kidnappings, killings, cattle rustling, and attacks across the North-west.

Fresh security concerns have emerged following confirmation by the Nigerian Army that it has received intelligence reports alleging that Turji and his loyalists are conducting weapons training and tactical drills in parts of Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State, with the alleged training activities taking place in several communities including Bingabale, Bafarawa, Bargaja, and Gebe, all within the Eastern Senatorial District. Security sources further alleged that the exercises involve armed fighters loyal to Turji, including close associates such as Illa Manawa and Dodo, reportedly his younger brother, and that the group is said to be undergoing military-style drills and weapons handling using newly acquired arms, with reports suggesting the possible use of night-vision equipment and other tactical gear. The army’s Acting Deputy Director of Public Relations, Lt. Col. Osoba Olaniyi, confirmed that the military is aware of the intelligence reports and is actively assessing the situation, assuring that appropriate security measures are being implemented.

Community security stakeholder Basharu Altine Guyawa Isa has raised serious alarms, alleging that Turji is strengthening his fighting force through collaboration with extremist groups, and in an interview with the BBC Hausa Service, Isa claimed that the wanted terrorist leader has intensified efforts to strengthen his operational capacity through alliances with extremist groups operating in the region. According to him, intelligence available to local security volunteers indicates that Turji and his associates have established a training camp near the Sokoto-Zamfara border, where recruits are allegedly being trained and armed for future operations, and he further alleged that Boko Haram members have been providing training and logistical support to the fighters, increasing the sophistication of criminal networks operating in the region. Isa further claimed that newly arrived fighters with links to Boko Haram and possessing advanced combat and weapons-handling expertise had entered the area to train and strengthen Turji’s fighters, and he warned of possible coordinated attacks on five local government headquarters in eastern Sokoto before the peak of the rainy season.

As of the time of filing this report, neither the Defence Headquarters nor the police commands in Sokoto and Zamfara states had issued official responses to the claims made in Turji’s video, and historically, military authorities have dismissed similar recordings as propaganda intended to exaggerate the capabilities of armed groups and undermine public confidence in ongoing security operations. However, for residents of communities that continue to endure attacks, kidnappings, and displacement, the latest recording is likely to reinforce concerns that some of the region’s most notorious armed groups remain active despite sustained security operations, and Turji has long used videos and audio messages to communicate with supporters, issue threats, announce ceasefires, and respond to military operations targeting his camps. The allegations made by Isa during the interview have not been independently verified, and security authorities have yet to publicly comment on the claims, while efforts to reach the Sokoto State Police Command for comment were unsuccessful as of press time.

“We’re Ready for Talks or War” — Bello Turji Dares FG After Deadly Sokoto Ambush

Oyo School Kidnapping: Troops Tighten Siege as Abductors Drop Key Demands

Fresh hope has emerged for the safe return of the 39 abducted schoolchildren and seven teachers in Oyo State as security agencies intensify operations and tighten the noose around the kidnappers believed to be hiding inside the National Park forest.

Multiple security sources said sustained military offensives have significantly restricted the movement of the abductors, forcing them to scale back some of their earlier demands and focus mainly on ransom negotiations.

The victims were kidnapped on May 15, 2026, when heavily armed men stormed three schools in Ahoro-Esinle, Yawota and Alawusa communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, sparking nationwide outrage and renewed concerns over the growing threat of terrorism and mass abductions in the South-West.

Security sources familiar with the ongoing operation disclosed that troops of the Nigerian Army, working alongside other security agencies, have successfully blocked major escape routes leading out of the National Park forest where the victims are believed to be held.

The operation, supported by aerial surveillance and ground intelligence, has reportedly confined the kidnappers within a narrow forest corridor, making movement increasingly difficult. Officials said security operatives have maintained constant pressure on the armed group, with surveillance teams monitoring strategic routes connecting the forest to neighbouring states and border communities.

According to intelligence reports, the continuous military presence has disrupted the kidnappers’ operations and weakened their negotiating position.

Sources revealed that the abductors initially made a series of far-reaching demands, including the payment of ransom, the release of detained terrorist commanders, the provision of two Hilux vehicles and the implementation of Sharia-related laws.

Among those reportedly requested for release were Mahmud Usman, also known as Abu Bara’a or Abbas Mukhtar, and his deputy, Abubakar Abba, alias Isah Adam or Mahmud Al-Nigeri. Both men are believed to be senior members of Ansaru, a breakaway faction of Boko Haram, and were arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) last year.

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However, fresh intelligence indicates that the kidnappers have abandoned several of those demands and are now concentrating primarily on ransom negotiations. Security insiders described the development as a sign that the group is coming under increasing pressure as troops continue to close in on their location.

The rescue operation has also received significant support from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), which deployed surveillance aircraft to assist ground troops with real-time intelligence gathering. The aerial operation is aimed at tracking the movement of the kidnappers, identifying possible hideouts and preventing any attempt to relocate the victims through the vast forest terrain.

Security officials believe the combined air and ground operations have significantly reduced the kidnappers’ ability to manoeuvre, increasing optimism that the victims could soon be rescued safely.

The crisis took a tragic turn after reports emerged that one of the abducted teachers was killed while in captivity. Security officials believe the killing was intended to pressure authorities and instill fear among the families of the victims.

The development has heightened anxiety across Oriire Local Government Area, with residents anxiously awaiting positive news from the ongoing rescue mission. President Bola Tinubu condemned the killing and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to securing the release of all remaining victims.

Investigations have revealed that the alleged leader of the kidnapping gang is an indigene of Oriire Local Government Area who reportedly lived within the community before becoming radicalised. Security sources said he later joined the Ansaru terrorist network and adopted extremist ideology.

The affected communities are strategically located near routes linking parts of Nigeria to the Niger Republic and the Kainji axis, making the area vulnerable to movements by armed groups. The dense forest and poor communication infrastructure have also complicated rescue operations.

Security agencies had reportedly received intelligence warnings about possible terrorist attacks targeting schools in the region before the incident occurred. Those warnings led to preventive measures, including the temporary closure of some schools, but the attackers still managed to carry out the coordinated assault that resulted in the abduction of dozens of pupils and teachers.

Security analysts believe sustained offensives against terrorist organisations across Nigeria are forcing insurgents to abandon traditional strongholds and target vulnerable rural communities and schools. Recent operations against Ansaru, Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) have reportedly resulted in the elimination of at least 168 high-profile terrorist commanders, while several suspects have been arrested and many insurgents forced to flee into neighbouring countries.

A senior security official expressed confidence that ongoing operations are gradually weakening terrorist networks across the country.

“The war against terrorism will be won. We will not relent in the ongoing offensive until these criminals are either eliminated or forced out of the country. President Bola Tinubu has issued a strong warning to them, and the signs of victory are already becoming evident,” the official said.

As military operations intensify and negotiations evolve, residents of Oriire and neighbouring communities remain hopeful that the 39 abducted pupils and seven teachers will soon regain their freedom. Families of the victims continue to pray for a peaceful resolution as security agencies push deeper into the forest in what officials describe as a decisive phase of the rescue operation.

Oyo School Kidnapping: Troops Tighten Siege as Abductors Drop Key Demands