SERAP Seeks UN Security Council Intervention Over Worsening Insecurity In Nigeria

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres to formally present Nigeria’s escalating security crisis to the UN Security Council, warning that ongoing killings, mass abductions, and widespread displacement now pose a threat to regional peace and stability.

In an open letter dated May 30, 2026, and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation urged Guterres to invoke Article 99 of the UN Charter, which allows the Secretary-General to bring issues threatening international peace and security before the Security Council.

SERAP said the worsening security situation in Nigeria has gone beyond a domestic law enforcement challenge, citing repeated attacks on communities, schools, and civilians across states including Benue, Borno, Plateau, Kaduna, Zamfara, and Oyo.

The organisation stated that years of violence have triggered humanitarian crises, destruction of livelihoods, and mass displacement, with spillover effects increasingly affecting neighbouring countries.

SERAP said, “Placing the escalating insecurity and grave human rights violations in Nigeria on the Security Council’s formal agenda would strengthen the credibility and effectiveness of the United Nations system in fulfilling its primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security.”

It referenced recent incidents, including the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, attacks in Benue State, bomb explosions in Borno State, and deadly assaults in Katsina and Adamawa states, as evidence of a worsening national emergency.

SERAP expressed concern that armed groups and criminal networks continue to operate with devastating consequences, resulting in loss of lives, destruction of communities, and rising humanitarian needs.

The rights group also recalled previous statements by UN officials, including condemnation of killings in Benue State in 2025 and a terrorist attack in Kwara State earlier this year, alongside warnings from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights over rising mass abductions.

According to SERAP, these repeated alerts show that the crisis carries serious humanitarian, human rights, and regional security implications requiring sustained international attention.

It argued that under international human rights law, governments have a duty to protect citizens, investigate abuses, and ensure accountability for perpetrators.

SERAP said the recurring pattern of kidnappings, killings, and displacement demonstrates the need for stronger preventive and security measures.

As part of its request, the organisation urged the UN Secretary-General to seek regular Security Council briefings on Nigeria’s insecurity, promote systematic reporting on attacks and displacement, and encourage Nigerian authorities to intensify civilian protection efforts and secure the release of abductees.

It also called for independent investigations, stronger accountability mechanisms, and increased international support to curb further deterioration of the security situation.

SERAP warned that without urgent intervention, Nigeria’s insecurity could deepen humanitarian suffering and destabilise the wider West African region.