A Devastating Reality: 1.3 Million People Displaced, 30,000

Armed Actors Operating in Nigeria

A report by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has painted a grim picture of the situation in Nigeria. It reveals that escalating violence has driven at least 1.3 million people from their homes, with 30,000 armed actors operating in loosely organised groups across the country.

The commission accused some police and army officers of colluding with Fulani militias in deadly attacks and mass abductions targeting religious communities across Nigeria. This doesn't come as a surprise to many, given the long-standing allegations of complicity between security agencies and militia groups.

The USCIRF report highlights multiple factors contributing to the violence, including environmental and economic factors, as well as the actors' own interpretation of religion. The commission also warned that the situation in Nigeria's Middle Belt has been complicated by the federal government's lack of response.

### 'We Have Always Said There Are People Within the Security Services Aiding Insurgents'

The Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has long maintained that some individuals within the nation's security architecture are aiding the insurgents. The group's National President, Dr. Bitrus Pogu, agreed with the US panel's accusation. He called for assistance from international partners to help Nigeria 'weed out' these criminal elements.

'The conspiracy is too large for peace-loving components of the security agencies to deal with,' Dr. Pogu said. 'We pray that with the information given now and the intelligence they have, let them come to our aid and weed this country of the menace of insurgents.'

### Government's Response: 'We Seem to Have Our Hands Tied'

Afenifere, a pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, said the commission's claim shouldn't be dismissed. It aligns with their long-held belief that the nature of terrorism bedeviling Nigeria wouldn't be festering for this long without complicity from some powerful quarters.

The organisation's National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Jare Ajayi, noted that while the government has vowed to end banditry in the country, there seems to be a spike in violence instead of a reduction. He attributed this to sabotage and complicity from within and from without. This confirms the alarm raised by the US Commission.

### 'The Federal and State Authorities Have Adequate Responses to the Violence'

The USCIRF report criticised the federal and state authorities for their inadequate responses to the violence. It stated that the conflicting narratives surrounding the violence have complicated efforts to determine the motivations behind the attacks.

The commission's report also detailed several attacks carried out in 2025 and early 2026, including mass killings in Benue and Plateau states. It noted that the militants frequently attack isolated rural communities at night using motorcycles, automatic weapons, and machetes.

### A Call to Action: US Congress Urged to Act

The USCIRF report urged US Congress to bar individuals lobbying on behalf of foreign governments Washington had blacklisted for severe religious freedom violations from receiving payment for such services. The commission also called for legislation prohibiting any person from receiving compensation for lobbying on behalf of foreign governments of countries designated as Country of Particular Concern. This shift in policy would restrict the ability of perpetrators to use foreign funding to influence American legislative support.

### What This Means for Nigerian Christians

The displacement of 1.3 million people and the targeting of Nigerian Christians by Fulani militias raises serious concerns about the future of this community. The allegations of collusion between security agencies and militia groups only add to the sense of insecurity and fear.

### A Call to International Partners

The international community mustn't sit idly by while Nigerian Christians face such violence and displacement. International partners need to come together and support Nigeria in addressing the root causes of this violence and bringing those responsible to justice.