30,000 Armed Militants” — US Commission Sparks Debate Over Nigeria’s Security Situation

The claim was contained in its May 2026 report titled “Nonstate Violators of Religious Freedom in Nigeria: Fulani Militants.”

According to the commission, these armed groups have emerged as some of the most lethal non-state actors responsible for violations of religious freedom in the country. It noted that violence linked to individuals of Fulani ethnic origin has significantly worsened insecurity across Nigeria’s Middle Belt and Southern regions.

USCIRF stated that the attacks have resulted in thousands of deaths, widespread displacement, and increased religious tensions nationwide.

“Violence by Fulani militants caused the highest number of deaths among all religious communities in Nigeria over the last year compared to attacks by organised insurgent groups and criminal gangs,” the report said.

The commission added that while many of the attacks target Christian communities, Muslim communities have also suffered killings, kidnappings, and raids.

It further explained that the groups operate without a central leadership structure but occasionally collaborate with criminal gangs and extremist organisations.

“These actors operate in a variety of contexts and with a multiplicity of likely aims and motivations,” the report stated.

“While many Fulani militant groups conduct independent attacks, others occasionally coordinate with criminal gangs and recognised terrorist organisations driven by violent ideologies.”

USCIRF said the attackers often strike rural communities at night, using motorcycles and weapons such as machetes and automatic rifles, with the aim of displacing residents and taking control of land.

The report estimated that at least 1.3 million people have been displaced in Nigeria’s Middle Belt due to ongoing violence involving Fulani militants and other armed groups. Many displaced persons, it said, are living in overcrowded camps with poor sanitation and limited security.

It also referenced several deadly incidents in 2025 and early 2026, including large-scale attacks in Benue and Plateau states. One such attack in Benue reportedly killed at least 200 people, including internally displaced persons in a Catholic mission.

Another incident cited was the 2025 Yelwata massacre in Benue State, where over 200 Christians were reportedly killed and more than 3,000 people displaced.

The report further alleged that some attacks were timed around Christian holidays to maximise psychological impact, including Christmas and Easter periods.

It also noted an incident in Niger State in February 2026 where suspected militants killed at least 32 people, as well as an attack on Holy Trinity Parish in Kaduna State that left three dead and 11 abducted, including a priest.

USCIRF also documented kidnappings affecting both churches and mosques, including an incident in Plateau State where an imam and several worshippers were abducted and a ransom demanded.

The commission said Easter-related attacks in April 2026 led to multiple deaths across Plateau, Kaduna, and Benue states, including worshippers killed during church services.

It also highlighted differing interpretations of the violence, noting that while some attribute it to economic and environmental pressures, others describe it as religiously motivated.

USCIRF, however, concluded that multiple overlapping factors—including religion—likely contribute to the attacks.

The report also criticised government responses, saying security forces are often slow to react and that victims have repeatedly complained of inadequate protection.

It further noted accusations from some Christian groups alleging bias by security agencies during operations.

Despite recent initiatives, including anti-grazing reforms and security operations that led to arrests and rescues, USCIRF warned that insecurity remains widespread.

The commission concluded that central Nigeria continues to face a severe and persistent security crisis, urging stronger government action to protect religious freedom and civilian lives.