The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has again raised fresh concerns over Nigeria’s worsening human rights situation, revealing that it received 326,113 complaints across the country in June 2026, with violations of the right to life emerging as the most prevalent abuse.

Presenting the commission’s June 2026 monthly human rights situation dashboard in Abuja,on Thursday, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC said the staggering number of complaints underscores the urgent need for stronger government action to protect citizens and hold perpetrators accountable.

According to the commission, its Human Rights observatory, which tracks incidents of violations nationwide, recorded widespread abuses during the month, with armed violence remaining the dominant pattern.

The Commission also expressed grave concern over the continued rise in sexual violence against children, describing the trend as alarming and calling for immediate, coordinated interventions to protect minors.

“The right to life was the most frequently violated right, while the Observatory recorded multiple cases of sexual violence against children. This sustained pattern of violence demands urgent action,” the Commission stated.

The NHRC noted that beyond documenting complaints, the monthly dashboard serves as an accountability mechanism for identifying emerging human rights threats and guiding policy responses.

The commission also reflected on the 12-day visit to Nigeria by the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, Professor Nazila Ghanea, who visited Abuja, Plateau and Kano States between June 8 and 19.

According to the NHRC, the UN expert observed that persistent violence, kidnappings, mass displacement and attacks on communities continue to undermine fundamental rights and worsen religious tensions across the country.

The Special Rapporteur reportedly found that insecurity dominated discussions with religious leaders, civil society groups and victims during her visit. Her final report on Nigeria is expected before the United Nations Human Rights Council in March 2027.

On security reforms, the Commission welcomed the recent constitutional amendment paving the way for the decentralisation of Nigeria’s policing system, describing state policing as a significant step toward improving public safety and strengthening the protection of human rights.

The NHRC also remembered victims of the Yelwata massacre in Benue State, where more than 100 people were killed a year ago, lamenting that many survivors remain displaced and continue to face severe humanitarian conditions.

It called for justice for the victims and accountability for communities affected by violent attacks across the country.
In remarks, the police Service Commission (PSC) described the dashboard as a critical tool for promoting accountability, strengthening democratic governance and driving evidence-based reforms in Nigeria’s policing and human rights systems.

Chairman of the Commission, DIG Hashimu Salihu Argungu (Rtd), who was represented by the Assistant Director, Legal Services, Victoria Onyekwuluje, gave the endorsement during the presentation of the Dashboard in Abuja.

According to him, the Dashboard will provide credible data and timely information on the state of human rights in Nigeria, enabling policymakers and institutions to formulate informed policies, undertake institutional reforms and deepen collaboration among government agencies, civil society organisations and development partners.

“The Police Service Commission recognises the critical role of credible data and objective assessment in advancing human rights, strengthening democratic governance, improving public trust and promoting responsible governance,” he said.

He expressed confidence that the initiative would strengthen national efforts to safeguard the rights and freedoms of Nigerians while helping institutions identify gaps, measure progress and implement effective interventions.

The PSC chairman reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to sustaining its partnership with the NHRC in promoting justice, accountability, the rule of law and respect for fundamental human rights.

He said the collaboration would also support efforts to build a policing system anchored on professionalism, integrity, accountability and respect for the dignity of every Nigerian.