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Nigeria has long been an epicenter for Christian persecution. According to Open Doors, which monitors global persecution, more Christians are killed there than anywhere else combined. Since 2009, at least 12 million Christians have been displaced due to violence. That year marked the beginning of Boko Haram’s insurgency aimed at establishing a caliphate in Nigeria and its broader region.
In the past 16 years, Intersociety estimates that 189,000 civilians have lost their lives—125,000 of them Christians and 64,000 liberal Muslims.
The report highlights Benue State as one of the most affected areas. In June, at least 280 Christians were killed in the Yelewata massacre alone.
“Nigeria is hosting no fewer than 22 embryonic and full-grown Islamic terror groups with links to ISIS, ISIL, and World Jihad Fund,” the report states.
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Violence from militant Islamic groups like Boko Haram, Fulani extremists, and ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province) has intensified, targeting Christian communities through mass killings, kidnappings, and church burnings. Despite Nigeria’s legal provision of more religious freedom than other countries on Open Doors’ watchlist, the main threat remains from Islamic militants aiming to destroy Christianity in the region.
In 2023, the U.S. Department of State’s report highlighted active groups like ISIS-West Africa, Boko Haram, and Ansaru, which carried out attacks across northern and central Nigeria.
The Nigerian government has disputed some claims about terrorist group activity within its borders. For instance, Major General Markus Kangye, a defense department spokesperson, denied the presence of FETO in June 2023.
Intersociety calls for international intervention and suggests placing Nigeria on watch lists that could trigger diplomatic or sanctions responses.
Father Dominic Asor, rector of St. James Minor Seminary, stated last month: “We must not flee from our vocation because of trials, insecurity, or the lure of worldly comfort. God who called us will sustain us, but we must remain faithful and focused.”
Jeff King, president of International Christian Concern, previously told Newsweek that the persecution of Christians is a human rights crisis affecting millions.
The Intersociety report urges international actors to intervene and consider placing Nigeria on watch lists that could lead to diplomatic or sanctions responses. Open Doors and other monitoring groups continue documenting attacks and displacement, indicating ongoing humanitarian needs for millions of displaced people and communities facing repeated violence.
