222,182,000

Christianity and Islam

102,988,000, 46.4%

Having gained independence from Britain in 1960, Nigeria’s democratic transition did not occur until 1999, when 16 years of military rule ended. Buhari, from All Progressives Congress (APC) became president in 2015 and was controversially re-elected in February 2019, amid electoral violence and arbitrary rules made by the Electoral Commission in support of President Buhari.

Nigeria has the largest economy in sub-Saharan Africa. However, poverty is widespread and 40% of the population live below the poverty line. Northern Nigeria is severely under-developed compared to the south. Corruption is rampant and a point of contention is the distribution of revenues received from oil.

18% of girls are married before their 15th birthday.  The Violence against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act of 2015 is Nigeria’s first criminal legislation that recognizes a broad spectrum of violence particularly against women and girls but is yet to be adopted by several Sharia-run northern states. (PWAN 2022). Domestic violence within marriages is widespread; in the Islamic northern region, husbands are permitted to discipline their wives so long as no ‘grievous’ bodily harm is caused (CEDAW 2017).

Human rights violations are carried out by numerous groups. In the north, Boko Haram has carried out a systematic campaign against the Nigerian state, proclaiming an Islamic caliphate in Borno State in 2014. Boko Haram specifically targets Christians, abducting and killing males and abducting, raping and forcibly marrying females as part of the mission to depopulate Christian-dominated territories. Boko Haram leader Shekau died in May 2021 but that has not diminished any activities. Similar violence is carried out by ISWAP, who also pledge allegiance to Islamic State. Fulani militants attack predominantly Christian villages in several northern states, abducting, raping and killing people, destroying buildings and harvests or occupying farmlands. The violence has rapidly expanded further south. Armed criminal groups are also responsible for violence in northern states where they rape, kill, kidnap and burn property. Nigeria is ranked 3rd on the list of countries most affected by terrorism (Global Terrorism Index 2020).

The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court has called for a formal inquiry into war crimes and crimes against humanity, in which she implicated not only non-state actors but also members of the Nigerian Security Forces (NSF).

Nigeria is on the US Commission on International Religious Freedom list of countries of particular concern. In its 2024 report it states: “In 2023, religious freedom conditions in Nigeria remained extremely poor. Violence across Nigeria impacted freedom of religion or belief as the government failed to prevent attacks against faith-based organizations or worshipers, with some accusing it of fomenting such attacks. Nigerian government officials were often slow to react to information about possible attacks or to respond after attacks occurred. In some cases, those impacted by violence directly criticized a lack of government accountability and called for further steps to protect religious freedom. Both the police and army drew criticism for not stemming the activities of violent insurgent groups such as Boko Haram, Islamic State in West Africa (ISWAP), and Fulani gangs that often worked in collaboration with them. Those states where violence was most prevalent include Borno, Kano, Kaduna, Plateau, Adamawa, and Benue.

Additionally, multiple attacks during the year targeted religious leaders.

Examples:

1. in January 2023, bandits killed Father Isaac Achi of the Minna Diocese, while others shot and injured assistant parish priest Father Collins Omeh at the Saints Peter and Paul Church in the Paikoro region.
2. in May 2023, insurgents in Benue State killed pastor Dominic Dajo of St. Peter Catholic Church and his wife.
3. In Nasarawa State, Fulani herders killed pastor Daniel Danbeki of the Evangelical Church Winning All, along with his wife and 41 others.
4. In Yobe State, Boko Haram insurgents killed at least 37 people in February 2023 and killed another 40 people in October.
5. In May, the Nigerian army rescued two women Boko Haram had kidnapped in 2014 from a Chibok secondary school.
6. In November, Boko Haram killed 15 farmers in the Muslim-majority Borno State and at least 10 Christians in Taraba State.
7. In 2023, the government detained individuals accused of blasphemy and often failed to hold accountable perpetrators of violence related to blasphemy allegations. The Nigerian penal code includes a penalty of up to two years’ imprisonment for acts “persons consider as a public insult on their religion, with the intention that they should consider the act such an insult.”

Twelve states in northern Nigeria have implemented Shari’a legal frameworks since 1999.

1. In May, a Sokoto State magistrate released two suspects arrested for the May 2022 mob murder of Christian Deborah Samuel for alleged blasphemy, eliminating any accountability for her death.
2. In June, a mob in Sokoto State stoned to death Usman Buda after he made a remark misunderstood as a slur against the Prophet Muhammad. At least five prisoners remain in state custody on blasphemy charges, including humanist Mubarak Bala and Sufi Muslim Yahaya Sharif–Aminu.

At a November 27 hearing in a Bauchi State high court, a judge rejected Christian Rhoda Jatau’s appeal that the court dismiss the blasphemy charges against her; however, on December 10, a Bauchi court judge released her on bail

1. In this onslaught men are often killed, lose their ability to work or have his property seized, impoverishing his family. Many leave try to find a safer and better life far away. Pray for discernment for the Church to find the spiritual, emotional, and physical solutions.
2. The median age in Nigeria is 17. Young people often feel marginalized. Pray for efforts by the government and Church to bring hope. Pray for thorough discipleship and sound view on economics coupled with practical help to uplift and create a hopeful future.
3. About 18.5 million children, the majority girls, have no access to education in Nigeria (UN, 2022), mostly because of the jihadist attacks on schools. Pray for more physical and emotional care to children, that they will receive the education they need.
4. Groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP often act with impunity against Christians (and Muslims who do not support their ideology). Pray that the Holy Spirit will bring many to salvation.
5. Islamic militancy occurs in the context of complex environmental and socio-economic challenges. Pray for wisdom and transparancy for the government to find solutions to the drivers of the crisis.
6. Nigeria is a Federal Presidential Republic led by Pres. Bola Ahmed Adekunle Tinubu. When he took office in 2023, prioritized action against violence. Pray for wisdom and courage to not give up in protection for all Nigerians, no matter their tribe or faith.
7. Thank the Lord for Nigeria, one of the giants of Africa that plays an important role in the region and the continent, and for its wealth. Pray for the Lord’s continued blessing on this nation.
8. Christians form about 46% and come from diverse denominational backgrounds. The church is active in local and international outreach. Thank God for the Church’s presence, even in regions most hostile to the gospel. Pray that God will continue to build His Church and that she will grow despite severe persecution. Pray that Christians will remain bold and obedient in sharing the Gospel. Pray for continued grace, protection, and faithfulness to pastors. Pray that they may have all they need as they work, often amid great opposition
9. Nigeria is 7th on Open Doors’ 2025 World Watchlist, with Islamic radical violence the most prominent type of persecution. In the Muslim-dominated north, Christians live under immense pressure from Islamic militants. More believers are killed for their faith in Nigeria each year than anywhere else in the world combined. Thank the Lord for the Church’s courage amid danger. Pray for grace to remain courageous in growing danger. Pray that believers will receive sufficient spiritual care.
10. In the northeast and parts of the Middle Belt Christians face brital attacks resulting in injury and destruction of property. Survivors suffer grief and trauma. The need for care outweighs resources of churches. Pray for more workers.