NHRC Records 1.4 Million Human Rights Violation Complaints in Six Months, Raises Alarm Over Rising Insecurity

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has revealed that it received an unprecedented 1,485,307 complaints of human rights violations within the first six months of 2025—its highest ever in history.

Mr. Hilary Ogbonna, Senior Human Rights Adviser to the Commission, disclosed this on Monday while presenting the NHRC’s June dashboard report.

“This is our highest in the history of this Commission,” Ogbonna stated. “We are also happy that, as of June 30, we have resolved 20,000 cases. We can do more if we receive more supports.”

Ogbonna highlighted the enormous financial burden of resolving rights violations. “Resolving one human rights conflict alone would cost more than you can ever imagine,” he said, appreciating the government’s backing while calling for increased support.

“We continue to strive to do our best to protect human rights. And as Oliver Twist, we ask for more as it will make us work harder for the benefit of Nigerians,” he added.

For the month of June alone, the NHRC recorded 327,154 complaints. Ogbonna noted that the commission completed 6,000 investigations, conducted 78 visits to correctional and detention centres, and issued 46 letters and summons to the Nigerian Police during the period.

Meanwhile, Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu (SAN), expressed deep concern over escalating violence against law enforcement personnel and local security outfits.

“Equally alarming is the rising trend of attacks against law enforcement and local security forces,” Ojukwu said. “In Kaduna and Niger states, more than 17 soldiers were killed in coordinated attacks, further destabilising already fragile regions.”

He also condemned the massacre of over 40 members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) in Ruggar Chida. “Brave individuals who stood on the frontlines to protect their communities… only to pay the ultimate price,” he lamented. “Their deaths leave a void in local security structures, rendering civilians even more exposed to further violence.”

Ojukwu decried the surge in abductions on major highways, describing it as a violation of fundamental rights. “In June alone, more than 50 travellers were abducted along major transit routes in Kogi and Benue states,” he said.

“These are not isolated criminal acts; they represent a direct assault on the fundamental rights to freedom of movement, economic participation and personal dignity,” he added. “This pattern of violence marked by impunity, fear, and systemic failure highlights a grave deficit in protection and accountability.”

The NHRC boss stressed the urgency of coordinated responses from all stakeholders. “To the government, we reiterate the need for decisive and coordinated security interventions. To civil society and the media, we urge sustained advocacy and amplification of these issues. To our development partners, we call for strengthened collaboration in addressing the root causes of these issues.”

“This dashboard must not merely serve as a record of tragedies; it must be a catalyst for meaningful and sustainable change,” Ojukwu concluded.