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The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom has raised fresh concerns over the growing insecurity in Nigeria, revealing that about 30,000 armed Fulani militants are currently operating across different parts of the country.

In its May 2026 report titled “Nonstate Violators of Religious Freedom in Nigeria: Fulani Militants,” the commission described the armed groups as some of the deadliest non-state actors fueling violence and religious freedom violations in Nigeria.

According to the report, the militants operate in clusters ranging from small bands of about 10 fighters to larger groups with as many as 1,000 members. The commission said the activities of the armed groups have worsened insecurity, especially in the Middle Belt and parts of Southern Nigeria.

The report stated that attacks linked to the militants led to more deaths in the last year than those carried out by insurgent groups and criminal gangs.

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

The commission noted that although many of the attacks targeted Christian communities, Muslims had also suffered killings, kidnappings and raids.

USCIRF explained that the armed groups do not operate under a single command structure. However, some factions reportedly 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 said.

“While many Fulani militant groups wage independent attacks, others periodically coordinate with a wide range of other actors, from conventional bandit gangs seeking financial enrichment to recognised terrorist organisations that espouse a violent interpretation of Islam.”

The commission said the attackers often invade rural communities at night using motorcycles, assault rifles and machetes. It added that the strategy was designed to create fear and force residents to flee their ancestral lands.

“They often wield machetes and descend on vulnerable communities during the night, eliciting terror as a way to force victims to quickly leave and to achieve greater control of desired land,” the report stated.

The report further revealed that attacks carried out by Fulani militants and other armed groups had displaced at least 1.3 million people across the Middle Belt. Many victims, it said, now live in overcrowded camps with poor sanitation and inadequate security.

USCIRF highlighted several deadly attacks recorded in 2025 and early 2026, particularly in Benue and Plateau states.

“One attack in Benue in June 2025 killed at least 200 people, including internally displaced persons living in a Catholic mission,” the report stated.

The commission also referenced the Yelwata massacre in Benue State where more than 200 Christians, mostly women and children, were reportedly killed, while over 3,000 residents were displaced.

According to the report, some attacks were deliberately carried out during Christian celebrations to heighten fear and psychological trauma among victims.

“Militant actors have often carried out operations during Christian holidays such as Christmas or Easter to further maximise the psychological impact,” USCIRF said.

The report added that suspected Fulani militants killed at least 32 people in Niger State in February 2026. The attackers also reportedly invaded Holy Trinity Parish in the Kafanchan Diocese of Kaduna State, killing three persons and abducting 11 others, including Father Nathaniel Asuwaye.

USCIRF also documented attacks on Muslim worshippers.

“In February 2026, armed men kidnapped an imam and seven worshipers from a mosque in Plateau,” the report stated, noting that the abductors demanded N16 million ransom.

The commission said Palm Sunday and Easter attacks in April 2026 left dozens dead in Plateau, Kaduna and Benue states.

“On Easter Sunday, Fulani militants reportedly killed five worshippers at two churches in Kaduna State while abducting 31 others,” the report added.

USCIRF noted that debates over the root causes of the violence had continued for years, with some analysts blaming environmental pressures and economic struggles, while others viewed the attacks as religiously motivated.

“Some observers have argued that environmental and economic factors are the driving force behind Fulani militants’ acts of violence, while others have suggested that these actors are engaged in a concerted campaign of outright genocide against non-Muslims, especially Christians,” the report stated.

“In fact, multiple and overlapping factors, including religion in many cases, likely spur Fulani militants to attack communities or individuals.”

The commission criticised the response of both federal and state authorities, saying many communities complained that security agencies often arrived late after attacks had already occurred.

“Victims have long reported that security forces are consistently slow to respond to attacks on their communities,” the report stated.

It also said some Christian groups accused security agencies of bias during investigations and security operations involving affected communities.

According to USCIRF, governors from 11 Nigerian states launched a ranching initiative in June 2025 aimed at reducing clashes between farmers and herders over grazing routes and farmland.

At the federal level, the report linked recent government actions to the decision of former US President Donald Trump in October 2025 to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over violations of religious freedom.

Following the designation, President Bola Tinubu reportedly classified kidnappers and violent armed groups, including Fulani militants, as terrorists in December 2025.

The commission said Nigerian security forces rescued 309 hostages during operations in Kogi and Kwara states in January 2026. During the raids, 129 suspected Fulani militants were arrested while 55 others were killed.

The report also drew attention to growing scrutiny surrounding the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria.

Christian leaders had accused the organisation of failing to prevent violent attacks and land invasions allegedly linked to armed herders. However, the association denied supporting criminal activities.

“We do not support, condone, harbour, finance, or protect any form of criminality, extremism or violence,” the group said.

USCIRF disclosed that the US Congress introduced the Nigeria Religious Freedom and Accountability Act of 2026 in February. The proposed legislation seeks sanctions against the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association over allegations of involvement in severe religious freedom violations.

Despite recent military operations and peace efforts, the commission warned that insecurity remained widespread across central Nigeria.

“As a result, central Nigeria remains entrenched in an intense, daily, and seemingly perpetual crisis of insecurity,” the report concluded.

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and governors have felicitated with Muslims on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir, urging them to have hope in the government to turn things around for the better.

President Tinubu, on Tuesday, said Nigeria’s difficult phase of economic reforms is over, declaring that the sacrifices made by Nigerians in the past three years have begun to yield positive results.

In his Eid-el-Kabir message to Muslims in Nigeria and across the world, Tinubu linked the spirit of sacrifice associated with the festival to the economic hardships experienced under his administration’s reform agenda.

He said the reforms had stabilised the economy and positioned Nigeria as an attractive destination for investment, job creation, and economic growth.

“Just as sacrifice brings reward, I am happy that the sacrifices and efforts we have made over the past three years have yielded a more stable economy, making our country a preferred investment destination,” he said.

“The walk through the dark tunnel is over, and the light is here.”

The president expressed confidence that the reforms would continue to improve security and expand opportunities for citizens.

On insecurity, Tinubu acknowledged that terrorists and bandits still attack some communities despite recent successes by security agencies, including the joint Nigeria-US operation that eliminated ISIS leader Abu-Bilal al-Manuki in the Lake Chad Basin.

“I assure you: you are neither abandoned nor forgotten. We will ultimately defeat all forces of evil,” he said.

Tinubu also urged Muslims to use the Eid celebration to pray for peace, national unity, and wisdom for leaders, while extending support to the less privileged.

He described Eid-el-Kabir as a reminder of the virtues of faith, obedience, sacrifice, selflessness, unity, and compassion exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim.

Akpabio calls for sacrifice, national renewal

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, in a congratulatory message through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, said the occasion calls for prayer and sober reflection on the theme of sacrifice.

Akpabio said, “As you share with the less privileged and extend love to neighbours of all faiths, you embody the true spirit of Nigeria.

“To all Nigerians, I urge us to use this solemn period to pray fervently for peace, security, and prosperity in our land. Let us pray for our troops on the frontlines, for farmers to return safely to their fields, and for unity to prevail over division in our nation.”

Barau, Abbas urge prayers for Nigeria

The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau Jibrin, called for sustained prayers, unity and support for the poor and vulnerable in society.

In a special Sallah message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, Senator Barau urged Muslims and all Nigerians to use the occasion to pray for enduring peace, stability, and prosperity in the country, noting that their prayers at such a sacred period are invaluable to national development.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, on his part, called for renewed faith in Allah (SWT), acts of charity, and prayers for the nation.

In a Sallah message by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Abbas urged Muslims to extend love and support to the poor, needy and less privileged, noting that compassion remains a core tenet of Islam.

“This period calls for a deep reflection,” the Speaker said, stressing that believers must remain selfless and devote their time, resources and lives to the worship of Allah (SWT) and service to humanity.

Abbas further urged Nigerians to offer special prayers for peaceful and credible elections as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.

Governors, Yilwatda call for national unity

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has called on Muslims to use the Eid-el-Adha period to pray for peace, security, and national unity across Nigeria, while his Rivers State counterpart, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, urged Muslim faithful in the state to reaffirm their commitment to peaceful coexistence, mutual respect, and collective progress as they celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir.

Fubara, in a statement by his spokesman, Onwuka Nzeshi, on Tuesday in Port Harcourt, enjoined them to ensure that diversity in faith does not become a source of division, but of strength to enhance peaceful coexistence.

On his part, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in a statement on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, said the festival should serve as a reminder of the importance of faith, patience, and communal harmony.

The governor also urged residents to embrace the lessons of sacrifice beyond religious observance, stressing its importance for national development.

Also, the Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, urged Muslims to uphold the virtues of sacrifice, obedience, love, tolerance, and total submission to the will of Almighty Allah, as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim (AS).

The governor, in a statement by his media aide, Mukhtar Gidado, noted that Eid-el-Kabir presents another opportunity for reflection, prayer, and renewed commitment to peaceful coexistence, unity, and mutual understanding among Nigerians irrespective of religious, ethnic, or political differences.

He called on citizens of Bauchi State to continue supporting government policies and programmes aimed at improving the welfare of the people and advancing sustainable development across the state. He further appealed to residents to use the festive period to pray for enduring peace, security, and economic prosperity in Bauchi State and Nigeria at large.

Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, enjoined Muslims to remain steadfast in promoting peace and harmonious coexistence in the society.

Governor Yahaya stressed the need for continued prayers for peace, prosperity and sustainable development in Gombe State and Nigeria at large, especially amid prevailing socio-economic and security challenges confronting the nation.

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State urged Muslims to continue to uphold the virtues of sacrifice, obedience, love and peaceful coexistence as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim, assuring them of his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance, infrastructural development and improved welfare for all residents.

He urged citizens to use the festive period to promote harmony, show kindness to the less privileged and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, irrespective of religious or ethnic differences.

The governor also urged the people to continue to support the government’s efforts at building a prosperous and secure Edo.

Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), called on the Muslim communities in the country to support the ongoing reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

The APC National Chairman, in a statement signed by Abimbola Tooki, his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, stated that the spiritual lessons of the celebration are highly relevant to Nigeria at this critical stage of national development, stressing that sacrifice, patience, perseverance and collective responsibility are essential ingredients needed to build a stronger, more united and prosperous nation.

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Abia State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, has approved a ₦306 million tech-enabling business grant called “NKATA” to support businesses across all 17 LGAS of the State.

Speaking while receiving the management team of the Abia State Technology Skills Acquisition Centre, (ATSAC), and unveiling the project, Governor Alex Otti reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs and creating sustainable economic opportunities for the youths of the State.

Governor Otti reiterated that the initiative was deliberately designed to accommodate different categories of beneficiaries across the State to ensure inclusiveness and wider access to economic opportunities.

The State Chief Executive noted that a total sum of ₦306 million has been earmarked for the beneficiaries, and maintained that they must meet up with the requirements for benefiting from the project and expressed the hope that the intervention would yield positive results.

“I want to congratulate everyone. The ₦306 million is available, but beneficiaries must meet all the necessary conditions.

“In a few months’ time, I want to hear that this intervention has yielded results, not just in monetary terms, but in job creation, poverty reduction, and empowerment of our people,” Governor Otti stated

The Governor said that the programme aligns with his administration’s vision of building a productive, self-reliant and innovation-driven economy, saying that government has gone forth and back on the issue and is now convinced that it would help to support the youths.

He explained that his administration deliberately chose to invest in productive ventures capable of generating long-term economic value, instead of funding mere consumption.

“We have gone forth and back on this, and we are convinced that this is one of the ways to support and help our people,” Governor Otti stated.

“The easiest way to spend money is to give it to people who consume it, but we will receive value when it is invested, and that investment will yield returns. This is our own way of intervening,” Gov. Otti said.

Governor Otti further disclosed that the grant project forms part of broader economic empowerment initiatives of his administration targeted at equipping Abians with relevant skills and support to become self-reliant and employers of labour.

The Governor said that the goal is to support and train Abia people so that they can become self-reliant and employers on their own, and urged them to utilise the opportunity responsibly by expanding their businesses, creating jobs and contributing meaningfully to the economic growth and development of Abia State.

Presenting the project earlier, the Director-General, Abia State Technological Skills Acquisition Centre (ATSAC), Mr Peter Ukonu, described the programme as a strategic intervention aimed at supporting businesses, reducing poverty and creating employment opportunities across the State.

He explains that the NKATA, which adopts a different structure by deploying support through technology providers, rather than giving cash, was deliberately designed to ensure that technology resources are utilised for business expansion and productivity rather than diverted to other personal expenditures.

“We are not giving cash to businesses directly. We are actually doing so through technology service providers,” Ukonu added.

He said that the programme brings together business technology service providers and mentors to drive digital tools, automation and AI, adding that the goal is to help Abia businesses move from survival to growth, improve productivity, create jobs and build a new generation of technology-enabling businesses.

Mr. Ukonu, who revealed that technology companies, software firms, hardware suppliers and internet providers would participate as service providers, while mentors, including those in the diaspora, would guide businesses in developing viable proposals and matching technological needs with solutions, explained that those eligible for the scheme are all Abia residents, who do business and pay taxes in Abia.