The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has raised concerns over the worsening human rights implications of insecurity, hate speech, and political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that failure to address these emerging threats could undermine citizens’ fundamental rights.
The Commission received 297,943 complaints nationwide in August 2026. It described this figure, alongside intelligence from its Human Rights Observatory, as a critical indicator of the country’s human rights landscape.
The Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr Tony Ojukwu, disclosed this on Monday while presenting the Commission’s August 2026 Human Rights Situation Dashboard. Ojukwu noted that insecurity remained a dominant feature during the month, highlighting renewed attacks on rural communities in Benue and Niger States despite ongoing security operations.
He called for comprehensive, transparent investigations into the killings and urged authorities to ensure those responsible are prosecuted without delay.
“Rescue operations must be followed by appropriate medical, psychosocial, family reunification, and other support necessary for the recovery and reintegration of survivors,” he said.
However, the Executive Secretary pointed to several successful security interventions during the month as proof of what can be achieved through effective intelligence gathering and inter-agency collaboration. He cited the rescue on August 5 of 308 Nigerians abducted in Niger and Kwara States during a coordinated, intelligence-led operation.
According to him, security agencies also secured the release of several captives in Benue State, alongside 15 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members abducted in Kogi State while travelling from Abuja after their passing-out ceremony in Bayelsa State.
Ojukwu commended the agencies involved but stressed that coordinated responses must become routine rather than exceptional.
“These outcomes demonstrate what can be achieved when intelligence, political will, and inter-agency coordination align. It is a standard the Commission expects to see consistently, not occasionally,” he said.
Beyond physical insecurity, the NHRC expressed concern over the rise in inflammatory rhetoric and political violence involving political and religious actors as the country moves towards the 2027 elections. The Commission confirmed it had condemned statements attributed to Sheikh Sani Jingir and Senator Francis Fadahunsi—characterising them as hate speech and incitement to violence, respectively—and called for their investigation and prosecution.
Ojukwu warned that the upcoming election season demands heightened vigilance because political participation is intrinsically linked to a broad range of fundamental rights. He emphasised that the rights to association, peaceful assembly, freedom of expression, and movement, alongside the rights to life and dignity, are vital to the integrity of the electoral process.
“As we begin the campaigns for the 2027 General Elections, the NHRC will remain vigilant to ensure political actors play by the rules,” he said.
The Commission also waded into the controversy surrounding the Foreign Aid Bill before the National Assembly, acknowledging the government’s interest in transparency while drawing attention to concerns raised by civil society organisations, media bodies, and international partners. Ojukwu expressed particular concern over any potential impact the proposed legislation might have on civic space and the independence of human rights organisations.
He urged the National Assembly to engage constructively with stakeholders on concerns relating to freedom of association, freedom of expression, and operational independence.
“The Commission will continue to monitor the legislative process from a human rights perspective and, where necessary, make appropriate interventions within its mandate,” he said.
The Executive Secretary stressed that the Commission’s responsibility extends beyond responding to violations after they occur, insisting that prevention remains central to its mandate. He explained that the monthly dashboard and Human Rights Observatory are designed to provide early warnings, identify emerging threats, support investigations, and ensure evidence translates into concrete action.
Ojukwu cautioned against viewing the 297,943 complaints recorded in August as mere statistics, highlighting that each figure represents an individual human rights concern requiring institutional attention.
“The figures before us today should not be understood merely as statistics. Our responsibility is to ensure that the data we collect informs action—whether through investigation, referral, policy engagement, early warning, or accountability,” he said.
He acknowledged the contributions of development partners, civil society organisations, and the media, noting that their support has strengthened systems for documenting violations and turning evidence into action.
The NHRC affirmed it will continue monitoring developments across the country as Nigeria approaches the 2027 electoral cycle, pressing for accountability while recognising instances where state institutions respond effectively to threats against citizens’ rights.
