NHRC Raises Alarm As Rights Complaints Surge 14%, Flags 37 Custodial Deaths

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has raised fresh concerns over Nigeria’s human rights situation, disclosing that complaints of alleged violations rose by 14 per cent to 338,810 in September 2026, amid continuing mass abductions, killings and reports of 37 deaths in custody following operations against illegal mining activities in Niger State.

The Executive Secretary of the commission, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, who disclosed this on Wednesday while presenting the September 2026 Human Rights Dashboard, said the 338,810 complaints represented an increase of 40,867 over the 297,943 recorded in August, underscoring the need for stronger accountability and more effective protection of citizens’ fundamental rights.

Ojukwu described the reported deaths of 37 persons in custody as particularly disturbing, warning that the circumstances surrounding the incident raised serious questions about the right to life, the prohibition of torture and the responsibility of law enforcement agencies to protect people in their custody.

While acknowledging the federal government’s decision to investigate the incident, the NHRC chief called for a thorough, independent and transparent investigation to establish the facts, determine responsibility where wrongdoing is established and provide appropriate remedies to affected families.

He stressed that being detained must never deprive anyone of their human dignity or legal protection, insisting that every person in custody remains entitled to the right to life and protection against torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.

The commission also expressed concern over continuing mass abductions in Niger State, noting the anguish of families and communities whose relatives remain in captivity. It called on security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue abducted persons, secure vulnerable communities and ensure that those responsible for the crimes are brought to justice.

Beyond insecurity and custodial deaths, Ojukwu identified sexual and gender-based violence, exploitation, abuse and discrimination against women and children as persistent human rights challenges requiring urgent intervention.

He said the September stakeholders’ engagement on the review of the Child Rights Act 2003 offered an opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s child protection framework, urging authorities to translate proposed reforms into effective institutions, adequate resources and practical safeguards, particularly for children in underserved and vulnerable communities.

The NHRC boss, however, cautioned that the increase in complaints should not automatically be interpreted as a corresponding rise in actual violations, explaining that improved public awareness and greater access to the commission’s services could also account for the higher figures.

He said the more important measure of progress was whether complaints resulted in credible investigations, effective remedies for victims and preventive measures capable of addressing recurring abuses.

Ojukwu further called on government institutions, security agencies, civil society organisations and development partners to strengthen collaboration in tackling human rights violations, while urging stakeholders to protect civic freedoms, including freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association, as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.

He added that the commission was strengthening its monitoring and reporting mechanisms, including the integration of civic space monitoring into its Human Rights Observatory, to improve the documentation of violations, identify emerging threats and support timely institutional interventions.

The executive secretary said the commission’s ultimate objective was not merely to document alleged abuses but to ensure that victims obtain justice, public institutions are held accountable and preventive measures are put in place to protect Nigerians from further violations.