The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has raised serious concerns over rising levels of insecurity and human rights violations across the country, while commending recent gains in counter-terrorism efforts.

The Executive Secretary, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, SAN, while presenting the June 2025 Human Rights Situation Dashboard in Abuja on Tuesday, revealed that a total of 331,035 complaints were received in July alone.

According to Dr. Ojukwu, the most reported violations involved law enforcement misconduct, denial of dignity, discrimination, and infringements on economic, social, and cultural rights.

He emphasised that while these issues are not new, their persistence reflects a deeply rooted systemic failure that must no longer be normalised. He said undermining the dignity of individuals, particularly by those entrusted with the responsibility of protecting them, signals a breakdown in the social contract and threatens the integrity of democratic institutions.

Ojukwu expressed deep concern over renewed and escalating violence in several parts of the country. In Sokoto State, 15 individuals were killed in a reprisal attack allegedly carried out by suspected members of the Lakurawa group.

A similarly violent incident in Kebbi State saw the deaths of three police officers in a failed abduction attempt. The month of July was described as the deadliest in recent times for vigilante groups, with nearly one hundred fatalities recorded.

Ojukwu noted that the continued loss of such community-based security actors, who often supplement the work of national forces, poses a severe risk to collective safety and the enjoyment of basic freedoms.

Against this backdrop, the NHRC welcomed the arrest of the leadership of Ansaru, a terrorist organisation known for its long-standing record of gross human rights violations. The Department of State Services led the operation, coordinating with the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Office of the National Security Adviser.

Ojukwu praised this achievement as an example of what can be accomplished when institutions work collaboratively, grounded in a human rights-based approach.

He urged the government to ensure that the suspects are swiftly and fairly prosecuted and held fully accountable for their crimes.

He further called for renewed commitments from all government departments and agencies.