A Troubling Trend
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has revealed a significant increase in human rights violations across Nigeria, with complaints rising by 25% in February 2025. According to the NHRC’s monthly human rights dashboard, the Commission received 205,364 complaints in February, up from 169,850 in January. This alarming trend highlights the growing challenges facing the country in protecting the rights and dignity of its citizens.
Key Findings from the February Dashboard
The NHRC’s report paints a grim picture of the human rights situation in Nigeria, with several critical issues standing out:
Mass Killings and Abductions:
The North-West and North-Central regions experienced a surge in mass killings and abductions, with 191 killings and 144 abductions reported in February.
Communal clashes accounted for 45 deaths, underscoring the persistent insecurity in these areas.
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence:
The Commission recorded 341 rape cases and 136 cases of sexual violence, reflecting the ongoing crisis of gender-based violence in the country.
Domestic violence complaints also rose sharply, with 6,954 cases reported.
Child Abandonment:
Economic hardship has contributed to a spike in child abandonment, with 1,400 cases recorded in February.
Extrajudicial Killings and Police Brutality:
Security agencies, particularly the police and armed forces, were implicated in numerous human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings.
Suicide and Attacks on Academic Communities:
The NHRC raised concerns about a rise in suicide cases and attacks on academic institutions, adding to the country’s growing list of human rights challenges.
Legislative Concerns: Balancing Security and Human Rights
The NHRC also highlighted the human rights implications of recent laws enacted by state governments to address insecurity and crime. These include:
Edo State Secret Cult and Similar Activities (Prohibition) Law 2025
Anambra Homeland Security Law 2025
Edo State Kidnapping Prohibition Law 2025
While these laws impose severe penalties, including the death penalty, for crimes like cultism and kidnapping, the NHRC cautioned against undermining the rights of the accused. Executive Secretary Dr. Tony Ojukwu emphasized the need to balance punitive measures with adherence to international human rights standards.
Addressing Child Abandonment: A New Policy
In response to the rising cases of child abandonment, the NHRC has introduced a Child Safeguarding Policy. This initiative aims to protect children and young persons who interact with the Commission, ensuring their rights are upheld and they are treated with dignity.
Ojukwu stressed that economic hardship is a major driver of child abandonment, calling for comprehensive measures to address the root causes of this issue.
A Call for Accountability in Law Enforcement
The NHRC expressed deep concern over the high number of human rights violations involving state actors, particularly security agencies. Ojukwu called for greater accountability within law enforcement, urging that the use of power must always align with human rights standards.
“Despite our collective efforts, there are still instances where those entrusted with enforcing the law end up being perpetrators of violations themselves,” he said.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The NHRC’s February dashboard underscores the urgent need for action to address Nigeria’s human rights crisis. From rising violence and sexual abuse to child abandonment and extrajudicial killings, the challenges are vast and complex.
As the NHRC continues to monitor and report on these issues, it is clear that a concerted effort from government, civil society, and the international community is needed to protect the rights and dignity of all Nigerians.
