The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has documented a total of 268,787 human rights complaints in May 2026, reflecting an increase compared to the previous month, according to its latest Human Rights Situation Dashboard.
The report shows that the North Central geopolitical zone recorded the highest number of complaints nationwide, while the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Benue State, and Borno State emerged as the leading hotspots for reported rights violations.
Presenting the findings, Mr. Hillary Ogbonna noted that the most prevalent categories of abuse during the period included Economic, Social and Cultural Rights violations, infractions relating to law enforcement and human dignity, as well as breaches of the rule of law and access to justice.
He further raised concern over persistent cases of sexual and gender-based violence, child rights violations, killings, and kidnappings across the country. According to the report, incidents of child abuse, child abandonment, sexual exploitation, and attacks on education were particularly widespread.
The NHRC also recorded 390 killings and 202 kidnapping incidents within the month. Niger, Plateau, Benue, and Borno States accounted for the highest number of fatalities, while several states reported major abductions, including cases involving schoolchildren, alongside attacks on communities.
In addition, violations affecting freedom of religion and the right to education were highlighted, with reports of assaults on worshippers, schools, and students in multiple locations.
Despite the surge in violations, the National Human Rights Commission said it completed 3,560 investigations and carried out 107 monitoring visits to detention facilities, alongside continued nationwide human rights monitoring and protection efforts.
The Commission called for strengthened security measures, improved accountability mechanisms, and enhanced protection for vulnerable groups to address the rising tide of human rights abuses across the country.
